Safe Car Wash App Report - Rights Lab University of Nottingham - Rights Lab - The Clewer Initiative
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Foreword Foreword Foreword - Long before The Clewer Initiative and the That so many people downloaded and Santa Marta Group joined together to launch used the Safe Car Wash app is indeed an the Safe Car Wash app, hand car washes had encouraging sign, but we obviously have been named as a key battleground in the fight more work to do in understanding why against modern slavery in the UK. However, some people may be reluctant to report data was patchy. Law enforcement did not what they have seen. have the resources to count each hand car wash, let alone investigate them all. As well as noting the limits of our advocacy, We designed the Safe Car Wash app as the report is also limited by the data available a way to bring the issue into the mainstream, to the researchers. To encourage more people in the hope that the general public would to use the Safe Car Wash app, we worked see a role for themselves in mapping and with our developers to make it as simple reporting modern slavery in hand car washes. as possible. That meant no complicated questions, and very little room for nuance. We were seeking to combat a phenomenon As a result we don’t know why one person that Pope Francis calls the globalisation of called the helpline, when another, who may indifference, where the laudable value of have seen almost exactly the same tolerance is twisted. Instead of looking out concerning signs, chose not to. for our neighbour, finding common ground, and exploring our differences, we ignore Alongside this report into the data generated them. This indifference fuels modern slavery, by the app, we have been pleased by the because as a society we have chosen to anecdotal feedback that we have received ignore the most vulnerable. from law enforcement, that the app’s data has been exactly what we envisaged it to In that light we were encouraged to see how be: a piece of the puzzle, which they can many people did download and use the Safe put together with their own intelligence and Car Wash app but until now we have only experience. As a result of their feedback been able to look at the headline figures. and this report we have made a few updates This report is the first time we have been to the Safe Car Wash app which will make able to dig into the data. The value of it simpler and more effective for both users robust research and evaluation cannot be of the app and users of the data. overestimated. With such a hidden crime, more and better information is needed Modern slavery can only be ended through across the board. partnership. We hope the Safe Car Wash app, and this report, will inform policy makers and Broadly, this report confirms what we had those on the front line as they engage with already surmised. Many hand car washes the problem of exploitation in hand car are suspect and do not protect their workers. washes. We hope too that this report provides A lack of protective equipment and fearful a useful example of what can be achieved and withdrawn body language are far more by bringing together technology, insight, common than one would hope. and people of goodwill, while highlighting the gaps that are still to be filled. We were disappointed to learn that only 18% of those who were prompted to call The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, the Modern Slavery Helpline did so, whilst The Clewer Initiative acknowledging that they may have called at The Rt Revd Patrick Lynch, another time, or reported in a different way. Santa Marta Group 2 3
Introduction Introduction Introduction - The Home Office estimates that there are activities has unearthed exploitative labour 10,000 – 13,000 victims of modern slavery and employment practices. Reports, in the United Kingdom (UK)i, many of whom press coverage, and investigations are forced or coerced into performing work describe excessive working hours, for little or no pay and exploited in a variety withholding of wages or below national of industries. One area where exploitation minimum wage (NMW) payments and is said to be prevalent is the hand car wash working without adequate protective safety (HCW) sector, a popular form of car wash gear and equipmentii. Reportedly, there exists service, which is performed manually. a spectrum of abuse in HCWs. While some Prior to 2004 the presence of HCWs as a workers are subject to some form of labour business activity was virtually non-existent, and employment violation, others are forced but research suggests that they now into modern slavery, compelled to work dominate the car wash market. gruelling hours under the threat of violenceiii. The lack of data makes it difficult to estimate Although HCW operations have grown at the prevalence of labour exploitation and an exponential rate, their activities, business modern slavery, which is critical to address models and workforce are only just beginning abuses in this high-risk trade. to gain attention. Recent scrutiny of HCW 4 5
The Safe Car Wash app The Safe Car Wash app The Safe Car Wash app “ Thank you for providing us access to this tool against modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT). From the data we reviewed we did find three identifiable car - wash locations which showed potential signs of MSHT that had not been brought to our attention previously.” In June 2018, The Clewer Initiative and the and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. Kent and East Sussex Santa Marta Group, in partnership with a These agencies are given real-time access Serious Crime Directorate number of stakeholders, launched the Safe to the data to help develop the intelligence Car Wash app, which seeks to provide a required to lead effective investigations. “ “ community intelligence-led approach to mapping car washes across the UK and In order to further understand the data gathering data in relation to modern slaveryiv. collected, The Clewer Initiative and Santa Since then it has been downloaded Marta Group generated a dataset including 8225 timesv. The app enables users to app users’ responses from June 26th to The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Modern day slavery is a rising threat anonymously provide information on December 3rd 2018, and shared it with the Authority (GLAA) have worked closely to our communities, and because of its the location and setting of the car wash, Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham with The Clewer Initiative (TCI) on the hidden nature, is a major concern - we workers’ access to suitable clothing, living for analysis. Entries that have been partially completed by the users are excluded from development of the ‘Car Wash App’, and all need to be alert to it, wherever we live. arrangements, the presence of minors we are one of the organisations ‘badged’ Councils are committed to protecting the working on site, and the cost and method this dataset, which comprises 2271 entries. This report outlines the findings from the within it. We are the link between the most vulnerable in society, but everybody of payment. Users are prompted to call the data, and reflects on how the app might TCI [The Clewer Initiative] and UK law has a role to play in tackling this terrible Modern Slavery Helpline if their answers promote a better understanding of the enforcement and we have ensured that crime. This is why the LGA has been indicate that there is a likelihood of modern slavery or exploitation at the car wash. industry and promoting higher standards every police force has a ‘log on’ to the pleased to be involved in the development Anonymous data collected from the app is in the future. database and particularly the map of car of the Safe Car Wash app, and encourages shared with the National Crime Agency, the washes that the app creates. We see great people to use it to help identify these Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, value in the use of technology in the fight ruthless profiteers and rescue their against Modern Day Slavery and Labour victims from lives of servitude. Reporting Exploitation and commend TCI for the any concerns through this app could leading role they have taken in this area make a world of difference to people and the lead they have given to willing being exploited at the hands of heartless partners – ourselves included.” gangmasters.” Gangmasters and Labour Councillor Simon Blackburn Abuse Authority Chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Safer and Stronger Communities Board 6 7
Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Acknowledgements - We would like to thank the Clewer Sisters modern slavery in hand car washes and and Trustees, as well as the CCLA for for the work you do to help end modern making the Safe Car Wash app possible. slavery. Finally to all those who have used, Thank you also to the Gangmasters and and continue to use, the Safe Car Wash Labour Abuse (GLAA), the National Crime app - in the complex landscape of modern Agency (NCA), the Local Government slavery you are bringing clarity and insight, Association (LGA) and the National Police thank you. Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) for your support of the Safe Car Wash app. We owe a debt This report was produced and funded by the of gratitude to all those who advised us on Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham. what the app should look like and the key It was authored by Dr Akilah Jardine and indicators we needed to include, thank you Dr Alison Gardner (Rights Lab Governance for giving us your time and expertise. Programme), with assistance from Dr Selim Thank you to the Modern Slavery Helpline Cakir (Rights Lab Business Programme), for providing insight into the reporting of and Dr Mike Gardner. 8 9
Application usage Application usage Figure 1 Safe Car Wash app monthly usage 1000 Application Number of entries 800 usage 600 400 - 200 When the app was launched in June 2018, Taxi Drivers Association and the Car Wash 0 there was a high-level of application usage. Advisory Service also publicised the app Modifications were subsequently made to their members. Heightened public and June July August September October November December to the app in July 2018 that sought to media attention to abuses occurring in this respond to early user feedback. The app sector also contributed to the promotion of (Source: Safe Car Wash app online car wash report, 2018) was promoted through the grass roots the app, in particular, media coverage of the networks of The Clewer Initiative and Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry into The app has been welcomed by many I had with the helpline it looked as if this was the Santa Marta Group and through the the social and environmental impact of hand national and local anti-slavery activists. a case of labour exploitation but not slavery. Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority car washes (HCWs). Regular users of the app commented: I was assured the information I'd given would (GLAA), the National Police Chiefs’ Council be passed on to GLAA.” (NPCC), National Crime Agency (NCA), Although usage dropped after the initial “The Safe Car Wash app is something I and the Local Government Association marketing push in June 2018, there was have started using since becoming aware Judith, Sheffield (LGA). Trade bodies such as the London evidence of stabilisation and a steady rate of modern slavery within the car washing Safe Car Wash app user of reporting from September 2018 onwards. business. It's really easy to use and being available on your phone, it doesn't cause “I found the Safe Car Wash app very clear and See Figure 1 (right) easy to use, and it was great that it was able suspicion while you're having your car washed. It has helped me to really take to prompt me to ring the Modern Slavery notice of the subtle differences between Helpline as a result of my answers. When how different car washes are run. It helps I spoke to them, I was able to answer most in many ways from spotting the signs of their questions easily because the app when something’s not right, to giving the had already prompted me to consider the confidence to report it.” questions they asked me. Using the app has also helped me to be more aware of the signs Helen, Lichfield to look out for not only at carwashes, Safe Car Wash app user but in other industries too…” “The safe carwash app is extremely quick and Anna, Norfolk easy to use, with straightforward questions. Safe Car Wash app user I found it satisfying to know that following it through with a conversation to the Modern “I really like the App - it's simple and easy to Slavery Helpline has contributed to providing use and gets some important information local information that may enable further straight to the people who need it. Perhaps investigation by the Police.” more importantly it makes people stop and think about their behaviour and if it is Elizabeth, Portsmouth contributing to the exploitation of others. Safe Car Wash app user I'd recommend everyone download it and use it.” “I found the app very easy to use and I got through to someone at the Modern Slavery Mike, Lincoln Helpline very quickly. From the conversation Safe Car Wash app user 10 11
Patterns of reporting Patterns of reporting Patterns of Figure 2 Car wash reports using the Safe Car Wash app, June - December 2018 reporting - Figure 2 (left) demonstrates the initial exceptions). Finally, Wales and Scotland spread and intensity of reports submitted were not specifically targeted in the initial from the Safe Car Wash app between June marketing for the app, and this is probably 2018 and December 2018. In this study we reflected in the low number of reports from have focussed on the reports rather than those areas. exact car wash locations for a number of reasons. Within the dataset there were There are a number of possible explanations duplicate location reports (as one might for reporting being higher in some parts expect for a car wash causing concern). of the country than others. The first is that We also found that some users chose to some (urban) areas simply have a higher submit their report from an alternative density of car washes, and rural areas such location, away from the car wash, so the as Exmoor, Yorkshire and Cumbria certainly geo-location did not always reflect the show fewer reports. However, we know that position of the car wash itself, an issue car washes still exist in rural locations, we pick up further in the analysis section. so it is probable that some under-reporting For this reason, it was sometimes difficult is occurring, particularly as the 2000 plus to clarify which points represented an entries in the data at this point will be an accurate car wash location, without ground- incomplete reflection of the total (estimated truth verification of every data point, which 10,000-20,000) car washes in the UK. was outside the scope of this research. Another potential reason is that awareness However, it is important to recognise that and thus usage of the app was higher in statutory agencies are still able to draw some parts of the country than others. effectively on the data to identify high-risk For instance, Nottinghamshire is the national car washes, using local knowledge. headquarters for one of the agencies involved in advising on the app, and The The map shows that there are a higher Clewer Initiative, and may therefore have intensity of reports within some centres had a higher number of regular users. of urban population, as one might expect, but that intensity is not directly correlated For the app to give a more accurate picture with population size and density. of distribution, it will be important to For example, there appears to be a encourage users to pinpoint the car wash high intensity of reporting in and around locations using the app, even if they do not Nottingham, compared to comparably- have specific concerns or subsequently enter sized cities such as Bristol or larger cities additional information at another site. The like Manchester. In some more rural regions map also perhaps highlights the opportunity of the country, fewer reports were emerging to promote the app further in rural regions, than we might expect. Many significant as well as Wales and Scotland, particularly market towns include at least one report, given the church’s unique capacity to reach but not all (Hereford, Wetherby, into rural communities. and Bridgwater, for instance being (Source: Safe Car Wash app, 2018) 12 13
Reporting to the Modern Slavery Helpline Reporting to the Modern Slavery Helpline Reporting to the CAR WASH SETTING 17% of users identified fearful workers exploitation is their accommodation style. For instance, in some cases workers were reportedly found living on the car wash Modern Slavery Helpline at the car wash. site in converted shipping and storage The Safe Car Wash app asked users containersx. The Safe Car Wash app asked - if anyone appeared over-controlling users to look out for nearby caravans, or intimidating and if the body language containers, mattresses and bedding on site of workers appeared fearful or withdrawn. as evidence of workers living on site. 14% 17% of reports identified fearful workers of reports suggested that workers were Although 41% of users were asked to at the car wash. This aligns with research living on the car wash site. call the Modern Slavery Helpline by the in which law enforcement officials described application, only 18% called the helpline ACCESS TO SUITABLE CLOTHING varying methods used to control workersvi, and 82% did not. There were a total of including physical abuse, threats, coercion, 48% of Safe Car Wash app reports 126 cases where the helpline was called, debt bondage, withholding of wages commented that workers did not have so the intensity of this type of report and intimidation. access to suitable clothing. is much lower. See Figure 3 (below). Factors which seemed to encourage MINORS WORKING ON SITE Safe Car Wash app users were asked to people to call the helpline are explored look out for gloves and boots to determine in the next section of this report. 8% of reports logged children working if workers had access to suitable clothing. on site. Reports on HCW activities have described Users were asked if there appeared workers operating with potential harmful to be minors working at the car wash. chemicals used to wash cars, such as 8% of users logged children working on site. hydrochloric acid, and working in poor Generally, in the UK the minimum age a child and unsafe conditions. Health and safety can work is 13 years for part-time work and regulations require employers to take 16 years for full-time workvii. School-aged practical steps to manage health and safety children under the age of 16 are not entitled risks and to protect workers from harmxi. to the national minimum wage (NMW), This includes providing workers with while young persons over the age of 16 are appropriate personal protective clothing entitled to a wage significantly lower than and equipment. 48% of Safe Car Wash the NMWviii. While employing children and reports commented that workers did not young persons in car washes may not be have access to suitable clothing. unlawful, their age and cost of their labour Because of the nature of the work, increases their vulnerability to exploitation. employees should be provided with WORKERS LIVING ON SITE adequate clothing and gear to protect them from harm such as safety shoes and 14% of reports said that workers were gloves. Workers operating without personal living on the car wash site. protective equipment could indicate that employers are in breach of health and Research on the nature and prevalence safety regulations. of labour exploitation in the HCW sector reported that workers are housed in different accommodation types, some provided by their employersix. A key factor that may suggest worker Figure 3 Users employing the app to call the Modern Slavery Helpline, June - December 2018 (Source: Safe Car Wash app, 2018) 14 15
Reporting to the Modern Slavery Helpline Reporting to the Modern Slavery Helpline FAIR PAY The average price paid for a HCW service was £7.10. Users of the Safe Car Wash app were requested to input the cost paid for the HCW service used. A low cost could indicate an exploitative business model where workers are paid below the national minimum wage (NMW). An assessment of the car wash industry by Waves, Tesco’s HCW supplier, suggests that a breakeven cost for an outside wash is £6.88 including value added tax (VAT) and £11.10 including VAT for an inside and outside washxii. This takes into consideration a number of expenses including the cost of labour, materials and resources. Though these figures are likely to vary across the UK, the cost of a HCW service below this price could suggest that workers are not paid the NMW. The app did not identify the type of service users received at the car wash, however the average price paid for a HCW service was £7.10. Although this is higher than the estimated price for an outside wash by Waves, the price of a car wash service is not sufficient to determine the prevalence of exploitation, and other factors need to be taken into consideration such as the car wash setting, health, safety and working conditions and method of payment. PAYMENT 80% of car wash visits had a cash only policy, 41% of users had to pay the manager directly and 87% were not offered a receipt. The Safe Car Wash app asked users if the car wash only accepted cash, if a receipt was offered, and if they had to pay the manager. These variables could suggest that the car wash is evading tax, national insurance and NMW obligations. 80% of responses entered in the Safe Car Wash app stated that the car wash had a cash only policy, while 41% had to pay the manager directly. Further, 87% reported that they were not offered a receipt. 16 17
Modern slavery reporting Modern slavery reporting Figure 4 Risk factors identified by users who were prompted by the app to call the Modern Slavery Helpline 89% Modern slavery 74% 58% reporting 31% - 76% 15% £6.47 7% 41% of users were requested to call the another means. We need to conduct more Modern Slavery Helpline. Of these 18% research to understand why this may be, but Average No access Workers Fearful Minors Cash only Receipt Pay called the helpline and 82% did not. the data suggests that some features were price to suitable living on workers working policy offered manager perceived as more worrying than others. clothing site on site directly Research on exploitative labour and Figure 5 (right) illustrates the comparison employment practices in HCWs have between data entered by users who called (Source: Safe Car Wash app, 2018) reported a spectrum of abuse. While the MSH when prompted to do so, and those workers may be subject to some form who did not call. The price paid for the car of labour or employment violation, wash service was similar for both users. Figure 5 others may be victims of modern slavery. The average price paid by users who did Risk factors comparison between users who Users of the Safe Car Wash app were not call the MSH is £6.50 and £6.36 for called the MSH and those who did not call prompted to report their concerns to the those who did call. Modern Slavery Helpline (MSH) if there was a high likelihood that exploitation is Factors such as the average price of a car No access occurring at the car wash. Users were also wash service, minors working on site and 73% to suitable encouraged to contact the police if they receipt offered showed similar data entries by clothing 78% saw something of immediate concern. users who did not call the helpline and those that did. However, the cash only policy and Workers 24% Figure 4 (right), demonstrates the average the presence of fearful workers were living on price of the car wash service and the site 26% higher for those who called the helpline in risk factors entered by users, who were comparison to those that did not. Further, Fearful 29% subsequently prompted by the app to call data entered on workers’ lack of access to workers the Modern Slavery Helpline. suitable clothing was higher for users who 35% A cash-only policy and paying the manager called the helpline compared to those that Minors did not. This suggests that the factors most 16% directly were the most commonly identified working on features of settings in which user entries likely to influence users’ attitude towards site 16% suggested a high level of risk. modern slavery reporting in car washes are cash only policy at a car wash, the presence Cash only 86% However, many users chose not to call the of fearful workers and workers operating policy 96% helpline using the app, although we don’t without suitable clothing. know if they subsequently called using Receipt 5% offered 6% Pay 58% manager directly 55% Users who did not call Users who called (Source: Safe Car Wash app, 2018) 18 19
Analysis Conclusion Analysis Conclusion - - This study demonstrates the potential of the log location of car washes even if they do not Gathering data on the scope of the hand car While more work needs to be done to Safe Car Wash app as a means to record use the services provided, in order to gain wash sector in the UK is pivotal to tackling improve public reporting, the Safe Car Wash data and raise awareness of signs of modern a fuller picture of the industry as a whole. abuses in this sector. The Safe Car Wash app app demonstrates the importance of citizen slavery and labour exploitation, but further provides important emerging evidence to science in shedding light on pernicious development of the app could overcome However, while the app seeks to inform law build our knowledge of HCWs including their practices, particularly in sectors where some existing limitations. In addition, enforcement, it also aims to raise awareness geographical spread and the prevalence of exploitation is often described as ‘hidden’, yet this study is a snapshot based on five months of modern slavery in car washes to members modern slavery risk factors. Although in its thrives in plain sight. Leveraging the real life of usage. We know that the car washes of the community. Consequently, it is early stages, the data arising from the Safe experiences and insights of the public can featured in these reports are at present just important that any changes that seek to Car Wash app also has potential to provide act as a catalyst for change by broadening a sample of the car wash industry, which is improve the app as a data collection tool further insight into HCW activities our understanding of the nature of car estimated to include between 10,000 and do not diminish users' experience and deter by mapping car wash operations. wash activities, the prevalence of labour 20,000 businesses. A longer-term study with individuals from using the app. exploitation and modern slavery, and building further contextual data, including a ground- There are also likely to be benefits of this essential evidence for the approaches needed The higher number of persons who did not app which are not yet captured by this truth reality-check to look at the app’s contact the Modern Slavery Helpline when to tackle abuses. effectiveness in logging car wash locations, data, including the extent to which the prompted to do so - in comparison to those app has raised users’ awareness of exploitative and experiences of law enforcement who did - demonstrates that more needs agencies in utilising intelligence, would labour practices and promoted a public to be done to understand the factors that conversation about labour abuse in car provide valuable additional information. influence public reporting of abuses. washes. This conversation is now starting In the short term, some further adaptations Research on local media and public to yield important policy changes, such as could improve the utility of the app for data perceptions of modern slavery highlighted moves towards national and local regulation. collection and mapping. These include several concerns that hinder public reporting “ giving users the opportunity to review data of modern slavery cases, such as the lack of before submission, providing more detailed sufficient information to be able to confidently categories for the type of service received, report on behalf of potentially exploited and adding the capacity to log the location persons and the concern that reporting might make matters worse for workersxii. The Clewer Initiative and the Santa and name of a car wash without making a Marta Group recognised the risks in full data entry. The Clewer Initiative and the the car wash industry. Mobilising their Santa Marta Group may also wish to consider whether to give new recommendations on respective parishes to gather data the use of the app, encouraging individuals to through the Safe Car Wash app has resulted in a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry now looking to regulate the industry to prevent forced and exploitative labour in the industry” Kevin Hyland OBE First UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (2015-2018) 20 21
Appendix Appendix Appendix - i “ 2018 UK Annual Report on Modern ix Jardine, A, “Labour exploitation in hand Slavery,” (2018) HM Government, car washes,” 14 accessed December 14, 2018 x Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ accessed December 14, 2018 government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/749346/2018_UK_ http://www.gla.gov.uk/media/3537/external- Annual_Report_on_Modern_Slavery.pdf, 4 natureand-scale-of-labour-exploitation- reportfinal-version-may-2018.pdf, 16 ii Akilah Jardine, “Labour exploitation in hand car washes,” (2018) University of xi “Health and safety made simple: the basics Nottingham, accessed December 14, 2018 for your business,” Health and Safety Executive, accessed December 14, 2018, http://www.antislaverycommissioner.co.uk/ media/1238/labour-exploitation-in-hand-car- hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/ index.htm washes.pdf xii “Written evidence submitted to the iii Ibid Environmental Audit Committee hand car washes inquiry by the Downstream iv “Safe Car Wash app,” The Clewer Initiative, Fuel Association,” (2018) Parliament Data, accessed December 14, 2018 accessed December 18th, 2018, https://www.theclewerinitiative.org/ http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/ safe-car-wash-app/ committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/ environmental-audit-committee/hand-car- v As of March 25, 2019. washes/written/84625.pdf vi Jardine, “Labour exploitation in hand xiii Birks, J and Gardner, A (2019) Introducing car washes,” 15 the Slave Next Door: Local media and vii “Child employment,” Gov.uk, public perceptions of modern slavery accessed December 18, 2018, (Forthcoming.) https://www.gov.uk/child-employment viii “Child employment,” Gov.uk, accessed December 18, 2018, https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/ paying You can find more information on the work of The Clewer Initiative and Santa Marta Group on their websites. www.theclewerinitiative.org 22 www.santamartagroup.com 23
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