Immigration lawyers have a new weapon in their armoury following the implementation of a European agreement to stamp out people trafficking.

The Council of Europe (pictured) convention on action against human trafficking, implemented by the UK on 1 April, creates minimum legal rights for victims. These include: the right to a 45-day ‘recovery and reflection’ period, during which individuals will not be detained and removal action will be suspended; access to appropriate, secure accommodation; and the right to legal advice. Other new measures are a nationally agreed framework to help identify victims and £4m of additional funding.