On 14 October 2025, the Home Office released ad hoc statistics on the National Referral Mechanism with a view to providing the UK’s Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women And Girls, Jess Phillips, up to date information for a forthcoming modern slavery roundtable.
Since 30 September 2024 there has been a 55% decrease in potential modern slavery victims awaiting a conclusive grounds decision. As of 30 September 2025, the average wait time to receive a conclusive grounds decision is 141 days, compared to 717 days a year prior.
There has been a 57% decrease in cases being referred into the NRM by the Single Competent Authority yet a 166% increase in cases being referred by the Immigration Enforcement Competent Authority (IECA). This is notable given previous criticisms of the UK immigration screening’s ability to discharge its positive duties under Article 4 of the ECHR and the ECAT to identify victims of trafficking and modern slavery.
The Home Office is due to publish its quarterly and annual NRM statistics on 6 November 2025.
Southwell and Partners specialises in advice on Modern Slavery, criminal and human rights law.
