Councillors sign charter against ‘modern slavery’

It comes after fears local car washes could be linked to human trafficking gangs.

East Ayrshire councillors have voted to approach national body COSLA about possibly making car washes apply to councils for licences. The move would mean local authorities could stop suspected dodgy businesses from operating.

The worries were raised when politicians voted for East Ayrshire to sign a charter against modern slavery at the local authority’s full council meeting last week (May 9).

Chief governance officer David Mitchell said: “Many of the public are nervous about car washes.”

He said the council aims to take a tough stance on tackling hum n trafficking.

Mr Mitchell said: “We want to put meat on the bones. We want to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.”

He said contract tenders are carefully scrutinised to make sure human trafficking-linked firms never win council business.

Urging councillors to be vigilant, Mr Mitchell added: “If we overlook things and ignore things it won’t get any better.”

He said people should not just walk past if they see anything suspicious.

Council leader Douglas Reid raised the prospect of granting licences for car washes and said COSLA should look into the matter.

Modern slaves are forced to work through threats and are controlled by a so-called ‘employer.’ They maybe imprisoned, subjected to violence, sexual exploitation or forced into criminality.

Depute leader Councillor Elena Whitham said: “This isn’t something that is just in big cities. We have seen it locally in Kilmarnock and down the road in Ayr.”

A report presented to councillors said: “Modern slavery is one of the great evils of our time and it is happening all around us, in nail bars, car washes, farm factories and restaurants.”

The modern charter gives councils advice to ensure none of the £40 billion spent by councils annually ends up in the pockets of traffickers.

Councillors approved the signing of the charter against modern slavery.