Second arrest after Barnsley hand car wash raids

A second man has been arrested in connection with raids by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) at two hand car washes in the Barnsley area last week.

The 30-year-old Albanian man is being questioned by GLAA officers on suspicion of modern slavery offences after being arrested at an address north-east of the town centre on Thursday 11 October.

A 24-year-old Romanian man was arrested at one of the car washes last week and has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Two Romanian men who previously worked at the car washes have been supported and entered the government’s National Referral Mechanism.

Investigations are ongoing to establish if there are any potential further victims.

The operation was supported by officers from South Yorkshire Police and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

GLAA Investigating Officer Steve Brookes said: “We are determined to stamp out modern slavery and labour exploitation in all forms and this operation demonstrates that we will continue to pursue people suspected of these serious offences.”

Are you concerned that workers are being exploited or abused at a hand car wash near you? Please call our intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or email intelligence@gla.gov.uk

You can also report your suspicions by downloading the Modern Slavery Helpline app and Safe Car Wash app developed by the Church of England-led Clewer Initiative.