The UK’s anti-slavery commissioner Kevin Hyland has urged motorists to avoid using some cheap carwashes because they are “hubs of modern exploitation”

He said motorists should be aware of tell-tale signs that workers are being abused such as a lack of protective gear, poorly maintained equipment or even makeshift accommodation on site.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Hyland said: “We are encountering modern-day slavery like this in our day-to-day life and it is in plain sight”.

The former head of the Metropolitan Police Human Trafficking unit was speaking out after an undercover investigation by Al Jazeera TV exposed the reality of modern day slavery at some carwashes across the UK.

The Modern Slavery Act, which came into force last year means companies must publish transparency information about supply chains.

However, in recent months there have a number of raids on carwashes in Hampshire, Essex and other parts of the UK.

Acknowledging the need to do more to combat modern slavery, Hyland also said more resources were needed to help tackle the scourge of the problem here in the UK.

CARE’s Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Policy Officer, Louise Gleich said: “People are being exploited right in front of us, on our high streets. We can all help by paying critical attention to what is happening around us. If we see firms offering to wash cars by hand for an extremely low price then we should ask ourselves how much are the workers going to be paid? We can pay attention to whether the workers have protective clothing and special equipment. If we live nearby we can be alert to whether the workers are living on site and how suitable their accommodation is. If you have any concerns, then contact the police – don’t try to intervene yourself as that could put you and any possible victims at risk.”

To find out more about identifying the signs of trafficking, see here.