GLAA teams up with Responsible Car Wash Scheme to create podcast series

A new podcast series designed to help hand car wash owners across the UK understand their responsibilities to workers has been launched this week.

Created by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), Know Your Rights also aims to educate workers about their rights and assist consumers in spotting the signs of labour exploitation.

In season one, the GLAA and Responsible Car Wash Scheme (RCWS) have worked together to produce a series of seven episodes, with each episode focusing on a specific area such as modern slavery, the National Minimum Wage, health and safety, and trading standards.

The final episode features an interview with a Romanian man who became a victim of labour exploitation shortly after he worked at a hand car wash in London. Versions of this episode are in English and Romanian.

All seven episodes below are available on both the GLAA and RCWS’ websites as well as on Spotify and Amazon Music.

• What is the Responsible Car Wash Scheme?
• Spotting the signs of exploitation at hand car washes
• Pay and the National Minimum Wage
• Why health and safety matters
• Is your car wash trading standards compliant?
• Labour exploitation: a victim’s story
• Exploatarea prin muncă: povestea unei victim

GLAA Head of Single Enforcement Body Darryl Dixon said: “The number of hand car washes in the UK has increased dramatically over the last 15 years, with estimates now believed to be around 7000.

"Understanding the regulations that apply to hand car washes is essential to reduce the risks to workers, the environment, and consumers. The GLAA and other law enforcement agencies have uncovered issues ranging from non-payment of the National Minimum Wage and health and safety breaches, to some cases of labour exploitation.

“Educating car wash owners so they can operate legally is crucial, as is giving the public all the information they need to make an informed decision of whether to use a legal operator or not."

RCWS Managing Director Teresa Sayers said: “The Responsible Car Wash Scheme was established in 2018 and over the last three years we have worked with the GLAA and other enforcement agencies to raise standards and drive up compliance at sites up and down the country.

“The aim of the scheme is to create a level playing field for operators so they can compete on an equal footing with their competitors and be a positive force in improving conditions for workers.

“By protecting workers, consumers and the environment, members of the scheme are actively contributing towards our campaign for a fair wash for all.”

If you suspect someone is the victim of modern slavery or labour exploitation at a hand car wash, call the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or email intelligence@gla.gov.uk.

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

You can also download the Safe Car Wash app and Unseen app and report your concerns there.