National Crime Agency scrutinises Leicester slavery allegations as Boohoo investor bails

An NCA spokesperson told Retail Week that it had received “information regarding allegations of modern slavery and exploitation” in the textile industry in Leicester and had made a number of “visits” to certain businesses in the area this week.

The NCA said it was in the process of “assessing that information” with other official bodies.

“The National Crime Agency can confirm that it has received information regarding allegations of modern slavery and exploitation in the textile industry in Leicester,” the spokesperson said.

“We are now in the process of assessing that information, alongside our partners, which include Leicestershire Police, HMRC, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the Health and Safety Executive, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and Home Office Immigration Enforcement. Our primary focus is on the protection of vulnerable people and safeguarding them from harm.

“As part of that, in recent days NCA officers have joined partners in attending a number of business premises in the Leicester area to assess some of the concerns that have been raised in respect of modern slavery. These visits are likely to continue.”

The NCA said it would “engage with partners to deliver a response at the appropriate level” once its assessment of the situation was complete.

Concern over conditions at Leicester garment factories has risen following a Sunday Times report last weekend, alleging infringements such as failing to pay the minimum wage and other claims that coronavirus rules were not followed in factories.

The concerns prompted a slump in Boohoo’s share price earlier this week. Today, investor Standard Life Aberdeen dumped its Boohoo stock and criticised the etailer.

Standard Life Aberdeen said Boohoo’s response to the allegations – the retailer is conducting a supply chain review – was “inadequate”, the Financial Times reported.

Boohoo has been contacted for comment.