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Over 100 EA officers trained to spot signs of
exploitation
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Two thirds of victims reported to have worked in waste
industry
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Anti-Slavery Day raising awareness of need to eradicate
modern slavery
The Environment Agency (EA) has committed to working with police
and enforcement agencies to eradicate modern day slavery from the
waste and recycling industry by training officers to spot signs
of exploitation during site inspections.
Latest figures from anti-slavery charity, Hope for Justice, show
that two-thirds of victims are reported to have worked within the
waste industry. In response, the EA has worked with the charity
to train over 100 waste and regulation EA officers to recognise
exploitative work practices.
Today (Thursday 18 October) is Anti-Slavery Day across England
and Wales, a day introduced in 2010 to raise awareness of the
need to eradicate modern day slavery in all its forms.
The training for officers precedes the government’s organised
waste crime review, due out later this year, which recognises an
emerging criminal subset within the waste management industry.
Earlier this year, the EA introduced the use of body worn cameras
for waste enforcement officers following a growing number of
abusive incidents during site inspections.
Marie Fallon, Director of Regulated Industry at the Environment
Agency said:
Modern slavery is an abhorrent crime that often goes unseen.
Whilst the majority of the waste businesses we regulate are
well run, there are a concerning number of operators who delve
into criminal practices which harm the environment, local
communities and their own work force.
Our work with Help for Justice has given our officers the
skills to understand the signs of modern slavery which can add
value to the work of the police, partners and local authorities
who collectively are working to stamp it out.
Sara Squires, UK Training Manager at anti-slavery charity Hope
for Justice, said:
It is fantastic to see such strong backing for these efforts
from the Environment Agency. I know from first-hand experience
that good-quality training leads to an improved response. More
than half of referrals to Hope for Justice of potential victims
of modern slavery come from organisations we have trained, and
many of those referrals lead directly to rescues.
I have sat with rescued victims as they realise they are now
safe and free, and as they begin to understand that they can
finally start making their own decisions in an atmosphere of
care and support, which is so important.
Better understanding among frontline agencies of the indicators
of exploitation and the best ways to respond will change the
landscape of anti-slavery efforts in the UK, by increasing
prosecutions, deterring traffickers and supporting survivors.
EA officers have been instructed to look for common signs of
exploitation including an extreme fear of authorities, signs of
physical or psychological trauma including anxiety or
malnourishment, and evidence suggesting workers may be living on
site.
Anyone with suspicions of contemporary slavery can report it to
Hope for Justice on 0300 008 8000 or email info.uk@hopeforjustice.org
To report waste crime, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555
111.
ENDS
Note to editors
EA announces new powers to tackle waste crime: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-powers-to-crack-down-on-waste-crime
