Spotting the signs of exploitation at hand car washes

Know Your Rights

Workers being exploited for their labour is something that sadly continues to exist in 21st century Britain. Men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds can become victims of human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude or debt bondage. Victims are controlled by force, threats, coercion, abduction, fraud and deception.

In this episode, journalist Andreea Salvage speaks to Lys Ford, Senior Prevention and Partnerships Officer at the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). The GLAA is a UK-wide law enforcement agency tasked with investigating and preventing labour exploitation across the entire economy, whether that’s at a farm, construction site, or indeed a hand car wash.

Lys explains the role and remit of the GLAA, as well as giving some crucial guidance to workers and consumers about spotting the signs of modern slavery and labour abuse at car washes.

Report issues of modern slavery and labour exploitation at hand car washes by calling the GLAA on 0800 4320804 or emailing [e-mail]. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm but you can leave a message outside of these hours.

Alternatively, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Download the Safe Car Wash app here: https://www.theclewerinitiative.org/safecarwash

Download the Unseen app here: https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/about/unseen-app

Read the latest news from the GLAA on its website: https://www.gla.gov.uk

Follow the GLAA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGLAA

Follow the GLAA on Twitter: @UK_Glaa

More information on how to apply to join the Responsible Car Wash Scheme can be found here: https://rcws.org.uk/