The number of hand car washes in the UK has increased dramatically over the last 15 years. As many as 7,000 hand car washes have popped up across the country and while many follow all the rules and regulations, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and other law enforcement agencies have uncovered issues ranging from labour exploitation to non-payment of the National Minimum Wage and health and safety breaches.
In this episode, journalist Andreea Salvage is joined by Teresa Sayers, Managing Director of the Responsible Car Wash Scheme (RCWS). The RCWS was founded in 2018 as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting compliance and raising standards across the car wash industry.
Teresa explains the aims and benefits of the scheme, and how car wash owners can apply to become members.
More information on how to apply to join the RCWS can be found here: https://rcws.org.uk/
Read the latest news from the GLAA on its website: https://www.gla.gov.uk
Follow the GLAA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGLAA
Follow the GLAA on Twitter: @UK_Glaa
Report issues of modern slavery and labour exploitation at hand car washes by calling the GLAA on 0800 4320804 or emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm but you can leave a message outside of these hours.
Alternatively, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Download the Safe Car Wash app here: https://www.theclewerinitiative.org/safecarwash
Download the Unseen app here: https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/about/unseen-app
