McDonald’s and big supermarkets failed to spot slavery | BBC News

Summary

A BBC investigation uncovered signs of modern slavery missed by companies after nine men were trafficked from the Czech Republic to work in a UK McDonald's, exploited by a criminal gang. Victims also worked in a factory supplying bread to major retailers. Companies failed to detect red flags, such as extreme working hours and shared bank accounts. McDonald's and retailers like Tesco and M&S have since taken action. Baroness Theresa May called for stronger anti-slavery laws, while experts highlight the need for businesses and the public to recognize signs of slavery and report them.

Takeaways

• 🔍 BBC investigation found signs of modern slavery were missed after nine men were trafficked from the Czech Republic and forced to work at a UK McDonald's.
• 🍞 Other victims were enslaved in a factory supplying bread products to major UK retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and M&S.
• 🚨 Baroness Theresa May, who introduced anti-slavery laws, raised concerns about how big companies address modern slavery in their supply chains.
• 👷 Victims worked extreme hours, sometimes up to 100 hours a week, with their wages being stolen by the criminal gang who trafficked them.
• 🏠 The gang referred to the victims as 'livestock' and forced them to live in inhumane conditions such as attics and unheated outbuildings.
• 🔎 McDonald's and its franchisees missed multiple red flags like shared bank accounts, excessive working hours, and suspicious job applications.
• 👮 The criminal gang leaders were arrested in 2019, ending a seven-year operation, but victims are still awaiting apologies from the companies involved.
• ⚠️ Companies like McDonald's and food retailers are now under scrutiny for not doing enough to detect slavery within their operations.
• 📊 Experts argue that the UK has fallen behind in anti-slavery measures since the Modern Slavery Act of 2015, while other countries have stricter regulations.
• 👁️ Public awareness is crucial, and signs of modern slavery, such as workers being controlled or showing signs of abuse, should be reported to authorities.

Q & A

What crime was uncovered by the BBC investigation?

The BBC investigation uncovered a human trafficking operation where nine men from the Czech Republic were forced to work in a McDonald's restaurant in the UK and a bread factory supplying major retailers.

How did the criminals exploit the victims?

The victims were forced to work extreme hours and their wages were paid into bank accounts controlled by the criminal gang. They lived in inhumane conditions, such as unheated attics or leaking outbuildings.

What were some missed red flags at McDonald's regarding modern slavery?

Red flags included job applications completed by gang members, victims working up to 100 hours a week, wages paid into shared bank accounts controlled by others, and the use of interpreters during interviews.

How did McDonald's and its franchisees respond after the discovery?

McDonald's commissioned an independent review and, with their franchisees, took action to strengthen systems to detect potential risks such as shared bank accounts and excessive working hours.

What role did large food retailers play in this modern slavery case?

Victims of the criminal gang were also forced to work in a factory supplying pitta bread to major UK retailers like Tesco, M&S, Waitrose, Co-op, and Asda. None of these companies identified signs of slavery at the time.

What did Baroness Theresa May say about the case and the Modern Slavery Act?

Baroness Theresa May, who introduced the Modern Slavery Act, said the case raises shocking questions about how big companies address modern slavery. She called for improvements in the Modern Slavery Act and more scrutiny of supply chains.

How widespread is modern slavery in the UK, according to James Clary from Justice and Care?

James Clary stated that modern slavery affects over 100,000 victims in the UK, with slavery present in every town and city, and in businesses like nail bars, car washes, and even the adult care sector.

What are some signs of modern slavery that businesses and individuals should be aware of?

Signs of modern slavery include workers living in overcrowded conditions, being dropped off and picked up from work by one vehicle, working extreme hours, having wages paid into another's account, and lacking protective equipment.

What should companies do to improve their efforts in identifying modern slavery in their operations?

Companies should conduct full due diligence, monitor their supply chains more rigorously, identify red flags such as shared bank accounts or excessive working hours, and be held accountable with stricter penalties for failing to address slavery.

What legal shortcomings exist in the UK regarding corporate accountability for modern slavery?

In the UK, companies can legally comply with the Modern Slavery Act by simply publishing a statement, even if they have taken no steps to address modern slavery. There are fewer penalties compared to other countries that impose stricter regulations.