The Windrush Scandal: Support & Compensation

A Brief History

Between 1948 and 1971, the British government invited thousands of people from Caribbean countries (like Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad) to help rebuild post-war Britain. Known as the Windrush generation (named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush), these individuals had the legal right to live and work in the UK permanently.

Despite their contributions, many later faced unjust treatment due to lost or destroyed immigration records. From 2012, harsh new rules required people to prove their residency—but without paperwork, members of the Windrush generation were wrongly:

• Denied healthcare, jobs, or housing.
• Detained or even deported to countries they hadn’t seen in decades.

Justice & Compensation

In 2018, the UK government apologised and launched the Windrush Compensation Scheme to repay those affected for their losses and suffering. However, applying can be complex, and many are still waiting for fair outcomes.

How We Can Help

Croydon BME Forum offers free, confidential support to Windrush applicants in Croydon, including:

• Guidance on eligibility for compensation.
• Assistance with filling out application forms.
• Signposting to legal advice or other services.

Contact Us
If you or someone you know needs help, email:
📩 [email protected]