In conjunction with the government’s anti-slavery units the London Evening Standard has issued readers with key signs for the public to look for which could indicate enslavement. In particular the Met police’s Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit and the government’s Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority are currently investigating hand car washes in London where slavery is considered especially likely.
- Is someone always watching the staff?
- Do staff have injuries that indicate assault?
- Do staff seem frightened and/or unwilling to make eye contact?
- Do staff always wear the same old clothes?
- Are staff wearing gloves to protect their hands from chemicals?
- Do staff look starving or neglected? Are the car washes offered for £5 or less?
At four hand car washes in East London staff told officials of sleeping four to a room and working 12-hour days for £3 an hour. Other premises likely to house slaves are nail bars. Continue reading