Clause 1 - Director of Labour Market Enforcement

Part of Immigration Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 10:00 am ar 27 Hydref 2015.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of James Brokenshire James Brokenshire Minister of State (Home Office) (Security and Immigration) 10:00, 27 Hydref 2015

It is important to stress that they are separate roles. We make that point clearly in the consultation document, where we say that the director will have a role that is distinct from the commissioner’s role. Obviously, the commissioner looks at all types of modern slavery, whereas the focus of the director will be on labour market exploitation and enforcement. The practical roles are equally different:

The Director will set the strategic plan, priorities for targeted action and overall approach”,

whereas

“the Commissioner has a broad role to look at the effectiveness of all the bodies engaged in the fight against modern slavery, encourage best practice, and make recommendations for improvements. That role will in future include looking at the effectiveness of the new Director and the reformed GLA”,

which we are consulting on now. I hope that is helpful and explains that these are complementary roles. I think that the commissioner, Kevin Hyland, is doing an excellent job. He has a great deal of practical experience from his time in law enforcement. I remember a couple of years ago going out with Mr Hyland on an enforcement raid to do with trafficking, so I know the real passion he has for that job. I think that he will use and work with the new director in a very positive way to continue to confront the appalling evil that is slavery and trafficking,  with people being horribly exploited and enslaved for gain. We continue to need to shine a light on this, so that it is seen for what it is.