by Felicity Collier

THE CO-OP announced yesterday that it is to offer paid work experience to former victims of the modern slave trade.

Under a new scheme, 30 people will be given four weeks of paid work experience in the mutual chain’s food stores with the opportunity to apply for permanent positions after through “non-competitive interviews.”

The Co-op will work alongside the charity City Hearts which assists people in finding safe refuge and overcoming trauma.

The first beneficiary of the scheme, known as the Bright Future programme, is already working in a Co-op store in the north-west of England.

Co-op chief executive Steve Murrells said: “Having heard our new colleague’s harrowing story, I am proud that our Co-op has teamed up with City Hearts to offer real practical help to survivors of this evil crime.

“It is clear to me that victims need to be supported while they rebuild their lives and central to that is the dignity that paid, freely chosen employment provides.

“Without this, there is a real chance that they could fall back into the hands of those who have exploited them and for the terrible, unspeakable cycle of enslavement to begin again.”

A Co-op spokesman told the Star that for reasons of confidentiality, he could not reveal which countries the workers were from, nor exactly where they would be working.

In response to the scheme, Anti-Slavery International director Dr Aidan McQuade told the Star: “It appears a positive idea. The key question is to make sure that it’s part of a comprehensive programme, with legal advice and proper rehabilitation.”

He urged the Co-op to make sure they provide a “suitably supportive environment” that would result in individuals being “positively skilled to get jobs in other places.” Mr McQuade also insisted the scheme must assist individuals if they do not get a permanent job at the end.

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland welcomed the “unique initiative” that marks the first time victims have been directly offered work placements and employment opportunities.

The International Labour Organisation estimates that 21 million people around the world are in slavery, a quarter of whom are children. It cites migrant workers and indigenous people as being particularly vulnerable.