Why the price of your next hand car wash may cost a lot more – but it’s for a good reason
Modern slavery and labour abuse at hand car washes are being tackled by a new scheme, with efforts to be piloted in the Midlands next month
THE PRICE of hand car washes may be hiked in the near-future - but rightly so, as the Government tackles modern slavery in the industry.
Seal-of-approval logos will help customers highlight which car washes are operating legally - and providing safe workplaces.
The Responsible Car Wash Scheme will be piloted across the Midlands in November.
It was developed by the Downstream Fuel Association alongside the GLAA (Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority), the police and the Car Wash Association, amongst other government organisations and charities.
Major supermarkets will also ensure that the standards of their car valeting services are raised.
Last August, 40-year-old car washer Sandu Laurentiu was electrocuted while showering in a rat-infested lodging behind his workplace.
Shaip Nimani, the owner of the Bubbles car wash and accomodation, was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence.
The 52-year-old paid six Romanian men £40 a day for washing cars, and charged them £40 rent a week for the dilapidated living quarters.
Around 20,000 hand car washes are operating around the UK - and not all legally.
The Scheme has been launched on the back of Anti-Slavery Day on October 18.
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Darryl Dixon, the GLAA's Director of Strategy, said, "We have seen numerous problems across this industry - from modern day slavery, debt bondage, failure to pay proper wages, through to workers not being provided with any appropriate or personal protective equipment.
"Whilst enforcement is crucial, education is also essential to both operators, so that they can ensure they operate legally, but also to consumers, so they can make the simple decision of using a legal operator or not.
"This Scheme is a big step forward in addressing these issues."