ACS has welcomed the launch of a new app to help consumers identify car washes that could be exploiting their workers.
The app has been developed by the Clewer Initiative, the Church of England’s campaign against modern slavery, and the Santa Marta Group, the Catholic Church’s anti-slavery project.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “It’s essential that all car wash operators are following employment regulations. Professional retailers do this, working to high legal standards, but they can be undermined by unscrupulous operators. This new app helps consumers to identify the indicators of modern slavery and report it.”
Data from the app will be anonymised and shared with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). The app is endorsed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Local Government Association and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Search ‘Safe Car Wash’ on the App Store / Android Store to find out more.
ACS recently submitted evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, calling on the Committee to clamp down on hand car washes that flout environmental employment regulations. ACS endorsed the Committee exploring the introduction of a licensing system as long as this did not place burdens on the majority of compliant businesses.
The full submission is available here: https://cdn.acs.org.uk/public/lobbying/acs_submission_-_hand_car_washes.pdf
