Joint operation to tackle labour exploitation in Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk Constabulary is calling on communities to be aware of modern slavery and exploitation following a proactive operation in Bury St Edmunds.

The joint operation, carried out on Wednesday, July 23, in partnership with Immigration Enforcement officers from the Home Office, focused on a construction site on Tayfen Road.

It followed a number of arrests made by Suffolk Police’s Sentinel team in June, when five men were detained for immigration offences.

All five individuals claimed to be working for a sub-contractor linked to the Tayfen Road site.

The liable employer could face a substantial fine if found to have employed illegal workers and failed to conduct pre-employment checks.

During Thursdday’s activity, a sixth man (aged in his 30s) was arrested for immigration act offences; he will be dealt with by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement team.

Suffolk Constabulary’s modern slavery vulnerability advisor John French said: “This was a proactive intelligence-led operation to assist us in tackling the complex issue of labour exploitation and organised immigration crime, often hidden in plain sight.

“Victims of labour exploitation are frequently controlled by sub-contractors who falsify documents, restrict freedom and force individuals to work for less than minimum wage.

“Sometimes they are transported to and from work sites, live in squalid conditions, and have no way of seeking help.

“Developers of the sites are often unaware of this exploitation which is why these operations are so important; not only to disrupt criminality but to safeguard those who may be at risk. It is crucial that we remain on the front foot, being proactive and intervening as early as possible.”

East of England Immigration compliance and enforcement lead, Cheryl Daldry, added: “This operation highlights the importance of partnership working in tackling illegal working and labour exploitation.

“Enforcement visits and arrests have increased by around 50 per cent in the last year, and we will continue to identify and disrupt those who exploit vulnerable people for financial gain and undermine our employment and immigration rules.”

Suffolk police is calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of exploitation.

Information from the community plays a vital role in identifying and tackling these crimes.

If you suspect someone is employing illegal workers at their business, report this to the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700.

It is free, confidential, open 24 hours and available in 200 languages. Alternatively report online via https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report.

If someone is in immediate danger, please call police on 999. Visit www.unseenuk.org for more information about the common signs of exploitation and how to report it.

Further advice and support can be found via The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) which works to protect vulnerable and exploited workers: 0800 432 0804 www.gla.gov.uk