New kitemark scheme to tackle car wash slavery

Responsible Car Wash Scheme to target labour abuse and lack of adherence to regulations at hand car washes

New kitemark scheme to tackle car wash slavery
It is estimated that there are up to 20,000 hand car washes in the UK. Image: Bigstock.

A new regulatory scheme is to be introduced to car washes in a bid to crack down on unacceptable working conditions for employees.

The Responsible Car Wash Scheme, which is a collaboration of government bodies, is to be launched in response to concerns regarding irregular and sometimes illegal practices in the expanding hand car wash industry.

Research by the University of Nottingham and the Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner also found that even in sites that don’t run on ‘slave labour’, the average wage for a day’s work is just £40.

Slave labour

Earlier this year, the Environmental Audit Committee published evidence that these sites are also harming biodiversity and impairing local water quality.

It said car wash effluent generally contains phosphates, detergents, oils, sediments, traffic film remover, rubber, copper and other metals.

Operators who are members of the new scheme will be able to be recognised by consumers as ones who: look after their workers, trade legally, adhere to environmental regulations and take care of their customers and their vehicles.

It is estimated that there are up to 20,000 hand car washes in the UK and whilst some operate legally, government agencies have seen issues at many sites including; modern day slavery, health and safety breaches, environmental breaches as well as operating without paying the appropriate tax.

Darryl Dixon from the GLAA said, “We have seen numerous problems across this industry, from modern day slavery, debt bondage, failure to pay proper wages, through to workers not being provided with any appropriate or personal protective equipment.

“Whilst enforcement is crucial, education is also essential to both operators, so that they can ensure they operate legally, but also to consumers, so they can make the simple decision of using a legal operator or not.

“This scheme is a big step forward in addressing these issues.”

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