London taxi drivers are backing the Safe Car Wash App to help combat modern slavery in the hand car wash industry. The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) represents 10,000 black cab drivers of London. LTDA’s General Secretary, Steve McNamara, said: “London taxi drivers are the eyes and ears of the city, driving its streets multiple times a day. We want London to be a safe place to live, work and travel, free from crimes like modern slavery in hand car washes. We welcome the Safe Car Wash App and the potential it has to raise awareness of this abuse and help the police to tackle the problem.”
App Approaches Modern Slavery
The Catholic Church’s anti-slavery project and The Clewer Initiative, the Church of England’s campaign against modern slavery, are behind the launch. The app is available for drivers to download for free, compatible on Apple and Android devices. It can be accessed when users are at the car wash while GPS determines their location and are then directed to a list of several warning signals of modern slavery. A variation of indicators include details on whether workers are provided with the appropriate clothing to behavioral signals that prompt concerns regarding their wellbeing and physical appearance. Answers that indicate a high concern will navigate to the Modern Slavery Helpline. Anonymous information gathered from the app is shared with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
Strong Backing from London Taxi Drivers
Many are backing the app alongside the support of London taxi drivers. Victoria Atkins, the Minister for Crime, Safeguarding, Vulnerability and Women, is among the names in favour of the Safe Car Wash app.
She said: “The Government cannot tackle modern slavery alone and collaboration with law enforcement agencies and local communities through faith groups, such as The Clewer Initiative, is vital in helping us to crack down on those who seek to exploit vulnerable people.”
Others supporting the app include Kevin Hyland, Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner, The National Police Chief’s Council and the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Today, estimates suggest there are now over 18,000 hand car washes in the UK compared to over ten years ago. Many are operated lawfully, however, there are several businesses treating their workers under conditions of modern slavery by exploitation. Nottingham University’s Rights Lab has agreed to analyse the data gathered from the app over a six-month period and report back the results in early 2019. The aim is to provide a more accurate picture as to the extent of the problem and address the issue.
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