Lincolnshire Hand Car Wash Owners Facing Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders
Seiwan Mohammadi and Rebin Hayderi, owners of two hand car washes in Lincolnshire, have received Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders (STROs) following a year-long investigation. Boston Magistrates' Court granted the temporary orders following a request from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
The Investigation
The GLAA and Lincolnshire Police launched the investigation into the Best Hand Car Wash in Horncastle and the Spilsby Hand Car Wash in Spilsby. It was discovered that workers, who did not have the right to work in the UK, were being paid less than the National Minimum Wage and did not have written contracts.
The Consequences
Under the terms of the orders, Mohammadi and Hayderi are now forbidden from employing anyone without legal UK work status. They cannot enlist, coerce or instruct anyone else to enlist such workers. They are further barred from hiring anyone without a valid National Insurance number. They are also not allowed to arrange work-related travel for anyone but their immediate family members.
The two must also maintain records of all their employees and supply these to the GLAA, Police or Immigration Enforcement if requested. They are required to pay all carwash employees at least the National Minimum Wage and provide them with wage slips. They are also obliged to allow the three enforcement agencies access to inspect conditions and speak with workers during business hours.
Lastly, they have to inform the GLAA of any changes in address for any car wash they run. Failure to follow these orders can result in up to five years imprisonment.
"We are pleased the court agreed with our assessment that the orders were necessary and proportionate in protecting vulnerable workers and communities from the harm of labour exploitation," said GLAA Investigating Officer Lee Dalton-Gooding.
"The work we carry out makes a real difference to the people, communities, and helps make our county a safer place for them," added Chief Inspector Rich Nethercott of Lincolnshire Police.
Mohammadi, who lives in Horncastle, and Hayderi, a Boston resident, will face a hearing for full orders against them at a later date.