23 suspected modern slavery victims found in ‘very poor’ conditions at Birmingham industrial unit

Dozens of suspected modern slavery victims were found in "very poor" conditions at industrial units in Small Heath[1] yesterday, December 7. West Midlands Police[2] said 23 men were safeguarded after a police raid, which was carried out at three premises in Small Heath following information from the public. The force said their officers found all of the men working in terrible conditions, with electrical wires near water and blocked emergency exits among a number of "serious health and safety concerns." Three units were raided in Green Lane. The men discovered were aged between 18 and 43 and were given food, drink clothes and hygiene packs from the Red Cross.

West Midlands Police said the owner of the premises will be "dealt with in due course" and may face huge fines.

Officers found men working in 'very poor' conditions

A West Midlands Police spokesperson stated: "Yesterday, December 7, supported by our partners, we executed warrants at commercial premises in Birmingham and safeguarded dozens of people. Officers from the Birmingham Exploitation Team together with the Anti-Slavery Network, The Red Cross, Immigration and The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), carried out the warrants at three premises in Green Lane, Small Heath and located 23 people suspected of being exploited.

"The warrant was carried out after we received information that there was potential labour exploitation and modern-day slavery offences taking place at the premises. Officers found the men all working in very poor conditions." Giving an insight into what they found, the spokesperson added: "During a walk-through of the premises a number of serious health and safety concerns were highlighted, such as a number of electrical wires located near to water pipes, emergency exits being blocked with boxes and trolleys and correct PPE not being used.

West Midlands Police said 23 men were found working in "very poor" conditions at premises in Birmingham.

Pictured: electrical wires near water (Image: West Midlands Police)

"The men aged between 18 and 43, received food, drink, clothes and hygiene packs from the Red Cross. They have all since been safeguarded and will receive continued support from us and our partners. "The owner of the premises will be dealt with in due course and may face having to pay thousands of pounds in fines."

'The work doesn't stop here'

Inspector Sharon Revitt from the Birmingham Exploitation Team, said: "Modern Slavery can be a very hidden crime and often people brought into the country feel they have nowhere to turn for help.

The work doesn't stop here. "This investigation is very much ongoing and we will take action against those who exploit people and commit these crimes. We will also make sure that these men continue to be offered the help and support they require.

A Red Cross van at the scene (Image: West Midlands Police)

"We work with the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network who offer ongoing support to survivors."

Anybody who suspects slavery or trafficking offences are happening in their community is urged to call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700, visit the website www.modernslaveryhelpline.org[4] or call West Midlands Police on 101.

Stay up to date with the very latest from your Birmingham or West Midlands street or neighbourhood with our Birmingham News[5] Email Updates.[6]

References

1. ^ Small Heath (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Disabled and elderly fear as fight begins to save life-saving health facility in Kingstanding (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ www.modernslaveryhelpline.org (www.modernslaveryhelpline.org)
5. ^ Birmingham News (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
6. ^ Email Updates. (www.birminghammail.co.uk)