GLAA secures court order to protect vulnerable worker

A Romanian man has been prevented by court order from controlling a potentially vulnerable worker.

Salford and Manchester Magistrates’ Court imposed an interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) on Stoica Tudor at a hearing on Friday April 9.

Tudor, of Tineretului Street, Giurgiu, Romania, was not present at court to challenge the application by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

The STRO places four restrictions on Tudor, which he is required to follow or face criminal prosecution.

Tudor has been prohibited from coercing or instructing the worker, who is not named for legal reasons, to travel into or out of England.

He is also banned from arranging or assisting employment for the worker, as well as arranging either travel or transport for them.

The final part of the order forbids Tudor from possessing, controlling or using the worker’s bank card or PIN without their permission.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Martin Plimmer said: “Our job at the GLAA is to work in partnership to protect vulnerable and exploited workers. This is something we take extremely seriously.

“We have previously used STROs where they are necessary and proportionate to protect our communities from labour exploitation.

“The order places significant restrictions on Tudor which we hope will greatly reduce the risk of him committing a slavery or trafficking offence.”

A hearing for a full STRO will be held later in the year.

Breaching an STRO is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

If you believe someone is a victim of labour abuse, 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.