Poultry workers to sue ‘worst ever’ UK gangmaster
Library image © Sipa Press/REX Six workers employed by a chicken catching business dubbed the “worst UK gangmaster ever” are suing for alleged abuse and mistreatment.
The Lithuanian men have accused Kent-based DJ Houghton of liability for trafficking them into the country and for exploitation.
See also: ‘Worst ever’ UK gangmaster drops appeal
In a Guardian interview, one of the workers said they were housed in dirty, overcrowded accommodation, and subject to intimidation and abuse.
The men claim they were forced to travel up and down the country, working long hours with pay withheld, catching chickens for some of the UK’s largest poultry businesses.
The National Crime Agency has acknowledged five of the six men as having been trafficked.
They worked for DJ Houghton between 2008-12, when the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and Kent Police, raided the business.
DJ Houghton immediately had its licence revoked, but company directors have since protested their innocence in local media, and have applied for a new gangmasters’ licence.
‘Destitute’
It is understood this is the first such action brought by former employees of a gangmaster.
The claimants’ lawyer, Shanta Martin, head of the modern slavery case team at law firm, Leigh Day, said in a statement: “Our clients just wanted to work for a decent living to support themselves and their families.
“Instead, they found themselves indebted, abused and working extremely long hours without proper pay. They now face homelessness and destitution.”
DJ Houghton were unavailable for comment.