09 February 2026
The Government of Jersey has confirmed its intention to bring
forward dedicated modern slavery legislation for Jersey,
strengthening protections against exploitation.
The proposed reforms will focus on preventing exploitation,
improving support and protection for victims, and ensuring
the authorities have clear powers, safeguards and
accountability to tackle modern slavery effectively.
The legislation will be developed through careful and
inclusive consultation. The Government will work with
people with lived experience, law enforcement agencies,
employers, charities and the wider community to make sure
the new law is practical, balanced and based on evidence.
The Chief Minister, Lyndon Farnham, said:
“Jersey must always protect the most vulnerable people in
our community. Bringing in modern slavery legislation will
strengthen our laws, help stop exploitation and make sure
victims get the help and support they need.”
The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Mary Le
Hegarat, added:
“Cases in Jersey may be rare, but even one case of
exploitation is one too many. This legislation will give
enforcement agencies clearer powers and stronger
protection for people at risk. By listening to frontline services,
employers and those with lived experience, we will design a
modern legal framework that reflects best practice and
provides clear, practical protection against exploitation for
everyone in our community.
"If anyone were held in conditions amounting to modern
slavery, it is very likely that alternative charges could be
made under existing laws, potentially related to the unlawful
detention of a person, or their treatment under employment
law, and any reports of that nature would be very thoroughly
investigated.
"It is important to stress that legislation is not the only work
we can do on this. My team is ensuring policies in this area
are fit for purpose and has been working with other
departments and organsations to ensure that permit holders
who suffer domestic abuse can get support.
"As the Chief Minister has stated previously, the International
Cultural Centre has been relaunched and is now operating as
a public facing service where people can get help and advice
on any issues they may have."
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