A CAR wash in Slough has been praised for their work in ending modern slavery and poor working conditions for workers.
The Responsible Car Wash Scheme (RCWS) awarded the first government-backed accreditation for car washes demonstrating compliance in employment, environmental and premises law.
Slough companies Waves car wash and Pro Touch Valeting applied for accreditation following a visit from the RCWS as part of a Home Office funded pilot to test licensing for car washes.
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Both sites will now display a RCWS sticker and banner, assuring drivers they will receive a fair wash when visiting.
Teresa Sayers, managing director, RCWS said: “Both of these car washes have proven to be adhering to the RCWS code of practice in full and meeting their employment, environmental and premises obligations.
"Businesses in Slough have been very receptive to the scheme and we have other applications coming through, so I am sure these will be the first of many accreditations.”
The pilot started on May 10 with visits by the RCWS to 20 car washes in Slough with the assistance of Local Council, the Gangmasters,Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Thames Valley Police.
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The aim of the initial visits was to inform car wash businesses of the scheme and encourage applications for accreditation.
These visits have been followed up with further communication with each car wash.
Joanna Graham, CEO of Waves Car Wash said: “We hope that this scheme encourages other car washes in the area (and more widely) to ensure they comply with the law and that it also helps customers to make an informed choice about where they get their car cleaned.”
The hand car wash sector has consistently been identified as an industry where workers are at risk of exploitation ranging from poor working conditions to modern day slavery.
Legitimate businesses are often undercut by those breaking the law, creating an unfair competitive landscape.
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