Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Could more be done by care watchdogs to tackle modern day slavery?

News | Alexia Conrath | Published: 11:05, Friday November 22nd, 2019.
Last updated: 11:05, Friday November 22nd, 2019
Ashville Care Home in Brithdir

Questions have been asked over whether care watchdogs should be more vigilant in spotting cases of modern day slavery.

Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney Assembly Member Dawn Bowden raised the issue in the Senedd following a raid at a care home in Brithdir earlier this month.

Up to 14 women were said to have been living in a small terraced house in nearby Herbert Street while working round-the-clock shifts at Ashville Residential Care Home. Neighbours have suggested the workers may be of Jamaican origin.

Another care home in Newport was also raided by police on the same morning, Thursday, November 7.

Two men, aged 53 and 64, of Newport, and a man, 43, of Surrey, were arrested and later released while under investigation.

A 43-year-old Rhymney woman was also arrested and later released on bail.

At the National Assembly of Wales on November 12, Ms Bowden asked First Minister Mark Drakeford what the Welsh Government was doing to combat modern day slavery.

Merthyr and Rhymney AM Dawn Bowden

She asked Mr Drakeford: “Should we be looking to ensure that inspection bodies are more alert to the issues around modern slavery and what they should be looking out for as a further way to help tackle this problem in the care sector in Wales?”

The First Minister said evidence would be gathered and lessons learned.

He also highlighted how Wales is the only UK country to have an anti-slavery co-ordinator and that last year 251 cases of modern day slavery were brought to light – up from 34 in 2012.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Bowden said: “I would urge everyone to be vigilant about the problem of modern day slavery and urge people to report any concerns they may have about the exploitation of vulnerable people.

“In the case of the recent incidents then Gwent Police must be left to continue their inquiries.”

Modern day slavery is defined as the “recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children, women or men through the use of force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation.”

Google

Latest News

  • The Green Party on the campaign trail in Casnewydd Islwyn (Lauren James pictured in the yellow jacket)
    Green Party candidate pledges change for voters ‘sick to back teeth’ of excusesFriday, May 1, 2026
  • Senedd stock image
    Senedd Members set for £3k pay rise after electionFriday, May 1, 2026
  • The Senedd has agreed to the UK Government's Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill
    Devolved versus reserved powers: What does the Senedd actually control?Friday, May 1, 2026
  • Lib Dem candidate says Wales has ‘drifted’ and economy must be fixedFriday, May 1, 2026
  • Senedd stock image
    A guide to the minor parties standing in the Senedd electionThursday, April 30, 2026
  • Polling stations
    Senedd election 2026: Who are the independent candidates?Thursday, April 30, 2026

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Newbridge RFCWednesday, April 29, 2026
  • Notice of claim to land, TrethomasThursday, April 16, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, April 16, 2026
  • Planning notice for land south of Valley View, Cefn HengoedThursday, April 2, 2026
© 2009-2026 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.