Matt Hancock has ‘quite significant concerns’ about Leicester clothing factories

Matt Hancock revealed he has “quite significant concerns” about employment practices at clothing factories in Leicester amid reports one paid its staff less than the minimum wage.

The Health Secretary said there had been coronavirus outbreaks at food and clothing producers in the city that the spread of Covid-19 was “the number one problem”.

He warned “very significant fines” can be handed out, or businesses shut down if employment laws and Government workplace safety guidance were found to have been breached.

It comes after the Government imposed the first local lockdown on the region, which will be in place until at least July 18.

The Sunday Times reported allegations that workers in Leicester’s Jaswal Fashions factory, which makes clothes for Boohoo brand Nasty Gal, were being paid as little as £3.50 an hour and operating without social distancing measures in place.

Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge Mr Hancock said: “Well we’ve seen outbreaks in food factories and in clothing factories.

"There are some quite significant concerns about some of the employment practices in some of the clothing factories in Leicester.

“They are important problems to deal with, but the number one problem that we’ve got to deal with is getting this virus under control.”

The clothing factory claims, which have been called "appalling” by Home Secretary, have prompted an investigation by the National Crime Agency.

Ms Patel said: “I will not tolerate sick criminals forcing innocent people into slave labour and a life of exploitation.

“Let this be a warning to those who are exploiting people in sweatshops like these for their own commercial gain.

“This is just the start. What you are doing is illegal, it will not be tolerated and we are coming after you.”

The NCA said in a statement: “Within the last few days NCA officers, along with Leicestershire Police and other partner agencies, attended a number of business premises in Leicester area to assess concerns of modern slavery and human trafficking.”

Nasty Gal told the Sunday Times that the company would investigate the claims but said the factory are not a “direct supplier”.

It said: “Nasty Gal does not allow any of its suppliers to pay less than the minimum wage and has a zero-tolerance approach to incidences of modern slavery.

“We have terminated relationships with suppliers where evidence of noncompliance with our strict code of conduct is found.

“We will take immediate steps to fully investigate the allegations raised and if the allegations are substantiated we will ensure that our suppliers immediately cease working with Jaswal Fashions.”

On Friday, Leicestershire Police said they had carried out routine visits at nine workplaces in the city to ensure health and safety.

No closure orders were issued and no enforcement was used, the force said.

Detective Inspector Jenni Heggs added: “We are aware of recent reports in the media of factories in Leicester continuing their operational work despite being in a period of lockdown.

Read more

Don't risk another case like Leicester, warns Met boss

Hancock says punters 'largely' behaved amid second spike fears- LIVE