A Newcastle car wash, which employed four illegal workers, has been served a prohibition notice.
On Wednesday, February 9, the North East Regional Specialist Operations Unit (NERSOU) disruption team carried out a visit to the Arena car wash on Plummer Street after concerns were raised over the welfare of staff and their working conditions.
They were joined by teams from Northumbria Police, National Crime Agency, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), HM Revenue and Customs, Immigration Enforcement and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
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Officials from HSE visited the site and identified a number of dangerous electrical faults putting workers and customers at risk.
HSE served three prohibition notices to stop the use of the dangerous electrical systems and one of the appliances. The notice stops the car wash from operating until the identified faults have been resolved.
HSE inspector Ash Ali said: “Electrical systems must be installed and maintained by trained professionals. The electrical system we found at the car wash was extremely poor and could have resulted in someone being seriously injured or killed.”
NERSOU are now asking residents and city centre visitors to be vigilant.
Kevin Benson, the Government Agency Intelligence network co-ordinator from NERSOU, said: “This holistic operation with partners has not only safeguarded workers, ensured the safety of the public but also reinforces the messages that anyone found to be exploiting people will face the consequences of their actions.
“I want to thank those who reported their concerns, and I would ask members of the public to continue to help us and act as our eyes and ears in the community.
“If you see something suspicious, or you have concerns about someone’s welfare, you should always report it.
“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our initiative to tackle and disrupt serious and organised crime, we will continue to work alongside our partners to identify and protect vulnerable people.”
If you have any concerns about a local business or individuals who you think might be at risk of exploitation, you can contact Northumbria Police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ section of their website.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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