Frank Field, MP denounced the idea and it would “benefit slave drivers and exploiters” by forcing destitute people back into their clutches.
Coming just days after Theresa May hosted a summit of her Modern Slavery Taskforce at 10 Downing Street, the change will see financial support cut from £65 to £37.75 a week, but the period during which victims can claim the payment will be trebled from 14 to 45 days.
The Prime Minister has made tackling modern slavery a personal priority since coming into office, denouncing it earlier this week as “barbaric”.
The Home Office said that there was no reduction in the total sums being spent on support for modern slavery victims, adding that the system was being brought in line with benefits for asylum seekers.
Financial support for dependent children of slavery victims will increase from £20.50 to £37.75 a week. Women who are pregnant or have young children will receive a one-off £300 maternity grant and an extra £5 a week for children under 12 months and £3 for those aged one to three.
Announcing plans for the change in a press release last October, the Home Office said it would significantly extend the “move-on” period during which victims receive support after leaving care, but made no mention of the reduction in weekly payments.
Mr Field called on Mrs May to halt the cut at Prime Minister’s Questions in the…
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