Staff found living illegally in dangerous conditions in Lichfield food businesses
A warning has been issued to food businesses across Lichfield after Environmental Health officers found staff living illegally and in dangerous conditions.
Environmental health officers from Lichfield Council uncovered several instances of staff living in offices and storerooms connected to food businesses.
Staff had been found living on mattresses on the floor in conditions that are overcrowded and pose a risk to their health, safety, and wellbeing.
In every case, the council said it had taken swift and robust enforcement action, from obtaining court warrants to force entry to the premises, to serving emergency prohibition orders requiring the people living there to leave immediately.
The council also said the businesses are not being identified at this time as the investigation is continuing and continues to work closely with partner agencies in tackling this, including Staffordshire Police, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.
Councillor Alex Farrell, Cabinet Member, said: “Everyone deserves to live in safe, decent housing.
"The conditions we’ve seen are unacceptable, with people sleeping in makeshift rooms with no proper facilities and facing serious risks from fire.
“We will not hesitate in seeking to revoke premises licences and prosecute those responsible.
"If you’re operating a business in Lichfield District, let this be a clear message: these practices have no place in our community.”
Environmental health officers are continuing to carry out proactive visits to businesses identified as being at risk.
The council is urging anyone with information about unsafe or unlawful staff accommodation to report it in confidence.
