Harry Lambert settles landmark claim for victims of human trafficking
We are pleased to announce that six victims of human trafficking have received substantial compensation in the first ever High Court action against a British company in relation to modern slavery.
Harry appeared for the Claimants led by John Hendy KC and instructed by Shanta Martin, partner at Leigh Day.
The Claimants allege that Kent-based couple, Darrell Houghton and Jacqueline Judge, who ran the company, DJ Houghton Catching Services Limited, had subjected victims of human trafficking to severe labour exploitation.
Shanta Martin, partner at Leigh Day said:
“Our clients have faced enormous difficulties since they came to the UK thinking they would be earning a decent living for honest work, but found themselves being terribly exploited by a British business”, said Ms Martin. “Our clients are so pleased to finally be getting not only wages they were owed, but a substantial sum to settle claims alleging physical and psychological abuse.”
The Houghton defendants are also facing compensation claims from another 10 workers, whose case before the High Court had been stayed pending the outcome of the first six claims.
The case has attracted widespread national media attention and for the full story, click here.
Harry has a particular interest in the emerging field of civil redress for human trafficking and was recently part of a group of specialist trafficking lawyers which convened and provided written advice to the Lords on the forthcoming Modern Slavery Bill. With his background in product liability / tort law, he combines creative thinking about causes of action (often necessary in the absence of a tort of human trafficking) with a rigorous approach to quantum.
