A look back at last month with over 100 workers protected

February was a busy month for the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), as we continue to work hard to put an end to slavery for good.

In the last month, we have protected 103 workers, made four arrests under Modern Slavery laws, and referred 18 vulnerable victims for ongoing help and support.

Our officers executed five search warrants and worked closely with West Midlands Police to secure a five-year prison sentence for a man who exploited Eastern European workers.  

During simultaneous swoops at five addresses across London, our officers also uncovered 51 people living in cramped conditions, including 22 people living in a single terraced house.

Our licencing team revoked the licence of a Cornish gangmaster, who exploited her workers through skimming off their pay, sending them to work double shifts with insufficient breaks and charging them to live in unhygienic and unsafe caravans.

We continue to receive new information from potential victims and concerned members of the public every day and we’re working closely with partners to ensure vulnerable victims are protected from exploitation.

Slavery is not a thing of the past. Workers are being exploited in every corner of the UK right now - at car washes, nail bars, on construction sites and within the hospitality industry. And that’s not an exhaustive list.

Would you know if the person serving you was a slave?

We can all play a part in putting an end to slavery for good. Learn how to spot the signs by reading our advice guide.

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