N.WALES POLICE FEAR FORCED LABOUR SHIFTED FROM SHOPS TO AGRICULTURE AND URGE PUBLIC TO BE AWARE OF SIGNS

POLICE fear slaves have been forced to work in food processing jobs and agricultural roles during lockdown after shops were shut due to coronavirus.

North Wales Police has warned that people are still being exploited in the region despite many shops and businesses closing during the pandemic.

And they have warned that as recession looms, more people could end up being forced into slavery.

A spokesman said: “Although many shops and businesses have been closed during the pandemic, labour exploitation has still continued.

“We believe that it’s possible that slaves could have been moved from public-facing roles, such as car washes and nail bars, to more hidden sectors such as agriculture and food processing.”

Detective Sergeant Richard Sidney, from the Modern Day Slavery Unit, said: “Although many shops and businesses have been closed over the last few months, this does not mean that labour exploitation stopped with them.

“It is possible that victims have been moved around without their consent to different industries, potentially working in dangerous environments without appropriate training or protective equipment, just so their exploiters can continue to make a profit.

“As businesses begin to open again, we are urging the public to learn how to spot the signs of slavery and to be vigilant for it in local businesses such as takeaways, car washes and hotels.”

He added:

“We are concerned that the economic downturn due to Covid-19 could lead to a greater amount of people being at risk of exploitation.

“Criminals will do anything to exploit the vulnerable and modern

“The public are our eyes and ears in the community and information, however small, is instrumental in our efforts to identify and prosecute offenders. slavery is no exception. “That is why it is vital that the public are aware of the signs and feel confident to report it through the police, the Modern Slavery Helpline or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

The Modern Day Slavery Helpline can be contacted on 08000 121 700 or you can report online.

Crimestoppers can be contacted via 0800 555 111, and police can be contacted on 101.

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