Review of Legal Help for those with Trafficking and Modern Slavery Compensation Claims (TMSCCs)
Trafficking and Modern Slavery Compensation Claims (TMSCC) are claims under employment law or claims for damages, in either case arising in connection with the trafficking or exploitation of an individual who is a victim of trafficking in human beings or in connection with the conduct by which the individual is a victim of slavery. The claims are within the scope of the legal aid scheme and fall within the miscellaneous category. Legal aid for these matters is available subject to statutory means and merits tests being met.
Specifically, the purpose of the review is to:
- identify whether there are current barriers to effective access to Legal Help in the context of TMSCCs where the provisions of LASPO mean it should be provided;
- if so, identify the causes of these; and
- as a result, to consider what, if any, steps should be taken by the Lord Chancellor and/or the LAA to ensure adequate and effective access to Legal Help regarding TMSCCs. The focus is therefore on access to Legal Help and the opportunity to make an informed decision around pursuing a TMSCC, rather than whether that Legal Help results in a claim being pursued.