A new film has been released for employers to spot signs of modern slavery – a campaign familiar to workers in the Fens following police raids and jail terms for offenders.

Cambs Times: The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAAThe Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAA (Image: Archant)

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) produced the film to encourage workers to come forward if they if they suspect modern slavery has infiltrated their workplace.

The GLAA – that was part of a joint investigation with police to tackle exploitation of workers in Fenland – hopes the new film will strike a chord with those affected.

Darryl Dixon, director of strategy at GLLA said: “The film focuses on three men, who appear despondent and afraid, being dropped off for work at an unnamed company.

Cambs Times: Left to right: Juris Valujevs, Oksana Valujeva, Lauma Vankova and Ivars Mezals - all were found guilty of conspiracy to acquire criminal property after Operation PheasantLeft to right: Juris Valujevs, Oksana Valujeva, Lauma Vankova and Ivars Mezals - all were found guilty of conspiracy to acquire criminal property after Operation Pheasant (Image: Archant)

“Their demeanour arouses the suspicions of an HR colleague who is seen raising her concerns with a manager.

“What happens next, as the film replays the opening scenes three times, and then demonstrates the consequences of employers who do nothing, do the wrong thing or ultimately, do the right thing.”

Mr Dixon said: “Our role is to work in partnership to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.

Cambs Times: The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAAThe Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAA (Image: Archant)

“This film is a prime example of our desire to work with employers to help identify the signs of labour exploitation and then, more importantly, show them the right way to deal with it.”

He reminded businesses of their responsibility and duty of care to their workers to ensure they are being treated fairly.

“The GLAA is supportive of legitimate business; our targets are the unscrupulous people behind the illegitimate practices that enslave and exploit so many thousands of people.”

Cambs Times: The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAAThe Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAA (Image: Archant)

The film was made with support from Stronger Together, a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing modern slavery.

David Camp, programme lead for Stronger Together and also chief executive of the Association of Labour Providers, said: “I would urge all employers to view this film, it is vital that they take the right action when it comes to dealing with modern slavery.”

The film is available to view on YouTube either by searching: “GLAA Modern Slavery” or by following this link

Cambs Times: The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAAThe Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are encouraging employers to show their new short film about modern slavery to staff. PHOTO: GLAA (Image: Archant)

For more information, visit the GLAA website or call: 0345 602 5020. To report a problem, call: 0800 432 0804

Last year two men and two women were jailed for a total of more than 23 years after offences connected to the exploitation of migrant workers in the Wisbech area.

One incident heard during the court case involved an illegal gangmaster operation run out of Wisbech.

People were recruited people in Eastern Europe, or locally, on the promise of work, and house in crowded gang houses in the Wisbech area.

Rent was typically £50-60 a week even when sleeping three or four to a room, and transport to the fields and factories was charged at £7-8 a day, even when work did not materialise, so that workers ended up controlled by debt to the men.