Windrush Legal Angels

“Two years after the introduction of the Windrush compensation scheme, it is woefully inadequate that so few people have been able to claim compensation. The Ministry of Interior has promised justice for those affected, but they continue to be abandoned by the government. The scheme is designed in such a way that they are excluded from the assistance to which they are entitled and deserve. We hope this initiative will help support the Windrush generation, but it is clear that victims need legal aid and a system that works to their advantage, not against them. The Windrush compensation scheme was launched in 2019 after the Windrush scandal erupted in 2018 when it emerged that despite decades of living and working in the UK – having been invited to the UK from Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1971 – many members of the “Windrush generation” and their family members, including children and grandchildren, were informed that they were living illegally and unjustly imprisoned in the UK. expelled and deprived of legal rights. Under this program, those affected by the Windrush scandal can seek compensation for the significant negative impact on their lives. Many had lost their homes and jobs and lacked access to health care and social services. In December last year, the government overhauled the system and increased the minimum amount of compensation for victims to £10,000. As highlighted by the independent Windrush lessons learned review, not only is there a lack of knowledge of the system, resulting in a low number of applications, but there are also serious concerns about the lack of legal support for claimants, exacerbated by the fact that legal fees can only be claimed for certain claims. The JCWI initiative was created to help those affected by the Windrush scandal submit their applications, assess the resulting decision and, if necessary, appeal.

Two years after its submission, only 1,996 applications have been submitted under this programme. The government estimates that more than 12,000 people are eligible, representing no more than 17 per cent, with 83 per cent yet to apply. The value of all payments made under the programme is £6.1 million; However, this is only a fraction of the estimated total amount of £500 million to be disbursed under the programme. The program was scheduled to end in April 2021, but on February 6, 2020, the Interior Ministry announced it would extend the program by two years. For more than 50 years, we have campaigned against discriminatory and unfair immigration rules. Learn more about our work by signing up to hear from us. We will keep you updated on how you can advocate for the rights of migrants or make a donation to support people who suffer solely because of their immigration status. For recommendations, please contact Nicola Burgess, now at the Greater Manchester Immigration Assistance Unit – [email protected] The initiative is supported by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Charles Russell Speechlys, Debevoise & Plimpton, Dechert, Latham & Watkins, Linklaters, Taylor Wessing and White & Case.

Read more: £70,000 donated to support those affected by the Windrush scandal.