McDonald’s and supermarkets failed to spot slavery

Published On Sep 29, 2024, 7:03 PM

A recent investigation revealed that nine victims of modern slavery were forced to work at a McDonald's branch in Cambridgeshire and a bakery supplying major UK supermarkets, including Asda and Sainsbury’s. For over four years, victims from the Czech Republic worked long hours, earning the minimum wage while the majority of their earnings were stolen by a human trafficking gang. Despite clear warning signs, such as shared bank accounts and extreme working hours, the exploitation went undetected until victims contacted police in 2019. McDonald's has stated it will enhance its systems to prevent such occurrences in the future, while several supermarkets halted ties with the implicated bakery at different points after the abuses were uncovered. The situation raises serious concerns regarding the oversight of labor practices in the fast-food and retail sectors.