We must bring an end to this modern slavery

In his excellent article last week, Manzoor Moghal, chairman of Leicester’s Muslim Forum, wrote of the sweatshops, the very poorly paid employees and the overcrowded houses that he says have contributed to the recent spike in coronavirus cases in the city and its return to lockdown.

He raised many questions: what are the relevant authorities doing regarding factory inspections, illegal immigration and overcrowding, as well as the possibility of modern slavery and people-trafficking?

I am sure we shall all hear more on this subject, and not just regarding Leicester. Richard Kinton,

Sileby, Leicestershire

We are witnessing slavery in the 21st Century and should be getting angry about that instead of events that occurred more than 100 years ago that none of us can change. Properly targeted resources must be directed towards this problem, otherwise we will never get control of this pandemic.

Debra Sparham, Epsom, Surrey

Is Manzoor Moghal honestly blaming the authorities and saying they need to have special task forces to protect his city from Covid-19? Surely everyone should take some personal responsibility.

Granted, workers should not be exploited by unscrupulous employers and this must stop, as must people-trafficking and illegal immigration. Proper health-andsafety conditions must also be enforced. But surely the local Muslim community can deal with some of the issues he speaks about themselves by raising awareness, and perhaps Mr Moghal should focus his efforts in this direction. How dare he accuse the local authorities of turning a blind eye! They may not even be aware of the numbers involved in sweatshops if many of the workers are under the radar, in this country illegally.

The Government and the authorities are accused of interference and of using ‘nannystate’ tactics when it suits, but when there are problems, these are laid at their door. They can’t win. S. Martin,

East Preston, West Sussex

Is the fact that the police in Leicester have done little to enforce the lockdown anything to do with a fear of being accused of racism? P. Lacy, Nottingham

I read Manzoor Moghal’s article with horror. How are sweatshops where people are paid £2 an hour allowed in Britain in this day and age? These textile factories must be known to the authorities, as must the overcrowded houses where the workers live.

If a community leader knows where this modern slavery is taking place, he should be getting the police and social services involved, not just writing about it in the newspapers.

It doesn’t matter what ethnic background these individuals have or the colour of their skin. Such practices are illegal and criminal and should be dealt with by the full force of the law. Ruth Richardson, Somerset