UK authorities have found no evidence of modern slavery offences8 Jul 2020 21:31
https://www.ft.com/content/6839e4f6-2afc-4061-a57a-5081dbb7d323
UK authorities have found no evidence of modern slavery offences in the first round of inspections on Boohoo subcontractors in Leicester, underlining the challenge of tackling allegations about the city’s illegal garment factories.
Over the past week seven separate government agencies visited nine premises in Leicester, prompted by allegations about illegal work practices that Boohoo and Priti Patel, home secretary, have described as “appalling”.
The fast-fashion retailer has lost more than a third of its market value since a Sunday Times investigation exposed longstanding concerns about textile workers in Leicester being paid less than the minimum wage. Ministers also raised fears the cramped, unsafe garment factories helped make the city a hotspot for coronavirus.
But in spite of the concerted government effort to uncover abuses, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority has admitted that “no enforcement has been used during the visits”. “Officers have not at this stage identified any offences under the Modern Slavery Act,” the agency said.
The National Crime Agency, which also announced the visits to textile factories, said it would not give a “running commentary” on the investigation, but added the “visits are likely to continue”. One person briefed on the investigations said authorities were reluctant to publish further details over fears the sweatshops could move out of the city.
Boohoo on Wednesday attempted to shore up investor confidence by launching an independent review of its UK supply chain following allegations that left its board “shocked and appalled”
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