WORKERS were detained and a series of safety and welfare concerns uncovered after five car washes across Tameside were targeted in a multi-agency crackdown.
Tameside Council and Greater Manchester Police joined forces for spot checks as part of ongoing efforts to tackle rogue businesses operating in the borough.
The inspections were carried out by the local authority’s environmental health and trading standards officers, along with Greater Manchester Police and Immigration Enforcement on April 22.
They focused on whether premises were operating legally and safely, with officers checking health and safety standards, worker welfare, trading regulations, and immigration and right-to-work compliance.
Across several of the sites visited, officers found a range of issues including unsafe working environments, inadequate equipment, poor worker welfare facilities and concerns over employment conditions.
There were also instances of non-compliance with trading standards regulations, while some individuals were found without the correct documentation to work in the UK.
As a result, officers detained a number of individuals who will now be investigated further by Immigration Enforcement, with additional enforcement action expected.
Businesses were also issued with advice and instructions to improve health and safety standards and compliance, with further enforcement action set to follow where necessary.
Intelligence gathered during the operation will also be shared between agencies to support future investigations.
Julian Jackson, Strategic Director of Housing, Environment and Estates at Tameside Council, said: “This operation highlights the continued commitment of our officers and partner agencies to work together to protect workers, ensure fair trading, and maintain safe environments for both employees and customers.
“Our officers work closely with businesses to support them to comply with all relevant regulations and seek guidance where needed. However, where this guidance is not followed or where non-compliance is particularly serious, they will always take further enforcement action.
“This is just one of numerous ongoing joint operations planned as part of our dedicated efforts to tackle rogue businesses, protect the community and protect vulnerable individuals.”
Council chiefs say more joint enforcement operations are already planned as part of wider action to protect workers and customers across the borough.