‘Slave labour’ recycling bosses given court orders
TWO men suspected of using slave labour at recycling plants have been hit with court orders aimed at protecting workers.
The pair, aged 47 and 26, were among four people arrested in raids at CAP Recycling in Elwell Street, West Bromwich, and sister firm Black Country Recycling in Union Road, Oldbury, last September.
Officers discovered six Polish men they suspected were being employed as slave labour.
Now the two men, from Birmingham and West Bromwich respectively, have been handed four-year orders compelling them to provide police with details of all employees and to pay staff via bank accounts rather than cash-inhand.
They are also banned from providing any kind of accommodation or transport for workers.
All four of those arrested last September remain on police bail.
Det Insp Colin Mattinson, of West Midlands Police, said: “It’s about removing the control, the power employers can exert over workers.
“We find victims put up in cramped, sub-standard conditions, paying excessive rent to their employers, being ferried to and from work, and having no control over their finances.
“These orders force them to supply all details of people they employ; that means we can make regular checks on their welfare to ensure they have not been trafficked or are being exploited for slave labour.
“Public support and awareness is key to tackling modern day slavery.
“I’d urge members of the public to look out for tell-tale signs, things like large numbers of people staying in multi-occupancy houses and people being ferried to and from the address on vans or minibuses early in the morning and returning late at night.
“Cruel individuals are making large sums of money on the back of other’s misery − so please call us if you suspect people are being exploited in your community.”