Gangmaster couple pay out more than £1m over inhuman treatment of migrant workers
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A gangmaster pair in Kent have agreed a settlement of more than £1 million in legal costs and compensation with migrants in a landmark modern-day slavery case.Darrell Houghton and his wife Jacqueline Judge must make the payouts to six Lithuanian chicken catchers trafficked to work on farms that produce eggs for high street shops.The duo, directors of DJ Houghton Chicken Catching Services, are expected to face legal action from a further 10 claimants.
A High Court ruling found they neglected to pay the national minimum wage and made unlawful deductions from wages. They also provided inadequate washing and other facilities.
The workers were also forced to work continuous eight-hour shifts for days and were not allowed to use the bathroom or sleep. As such they had to urinate in bottles and defecate in carrier bags.
They were also assaulted by Lithuanian supervisors and intimidated by fighting dogs while living in disgraceful conditions.
Shanta Martin, partner at Leigh Day, said: “Our clients have faced enormous difficulties since they came to the UK thinking they would be earning a decent living for honest work, but found themselves being terribly exploited by a British business.”
She added: “Our clients are so pleased to finally be getting not only wages they were owed, but a substantial sum to settle claims alleging physical and psychological abuse.”
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