Cambridgeshire police tackle modern slavery in day of action

Police teamed up with partners to visit dozens of nail bars and car washes in Cambridgeshire yesterday.

Five arrests were made as a result of the visits, but these were not related to modern slavery.

Nationally, there have been multiple modern slavery cases linked to nail bars and hand car washes, making them of particular interest to police, Immigration and the GLAA.

Earlier this year Cambridgeshire Constabulary was made aware of a shocking case where a man reported he had been forced to work at a hand car wash for a prolonged period of time. He was locked inside poor accommodation overnight and provided with a small amount of food each day, but did not receive any wages.

The man managed to escape, is being supported by a charity and an investigation into what happened is ongoing.

Superintendent James Sutherland said: “Whilst the majority of hand car washes and nail bars are legitimate businesses, as the report from earlier this year demonstrates, some exploit workers to maximise profits.

“Although no arrests were made for modern slavery offences, the day was still very valuable as key intelligence has been obtained. This new intelligence will lead to continued development work around a number of the sites.

“Tackling modern slavery is a priority for the Constabulary and it’s vital we’re doing all we can to combat the issue and protect vulnerable people.

“Slavery is not a thing of the past – it is happening today right here in Cambridgeshire and we need the public’s help to tackle it. If you have any concerns please contact us.”

Signs of modern slavery can include workers:

- seeming overly tired, withdrawn or avoiding eye contact

- not having suitable equipment or clothing for the job they are doing

- looking unkempt or showing signs of physical abuse

- not being able to come and go as they wish

- being unpaid or paid very little

- working excessively long or unusual hours

= not being allowed breaks or suffers restrictions at work

For more information on modern slavery, or to make a report, visit: https://bit.ly/36CPvLP