DRIVE & SHINE Hand Car Wash in Haverfordwest has been fined £120,000 for employing illegal workers, following a Home Office investigation into their practices.

The business, located in Cartlett, was named in the government’s latest quarterly report on employers penalised for illegal working. The report, covering penalties issued between April 1 and June 30, 2024, was released on October 31.

During the summer, the Daily Mail reported that Drive & Shine employed workers from Bulgaria, Romania, and Kurdistan. On busy days, as many as ten employees were observed pressure-washing, polishing, and valeting cars at the site.

Manager Aras Karam, a Kurd, defended the business, claiming it adhered to health and safety regulations while paying staff at least the minimum wage, “sometimes more.” He stated that the company conducted employee checks to ensure they had the legal right to work in the UK, adding:

“That isn’t happening here. There are so many car washes in the country now, some will be operating illegally, I know that. But this is a legitimate business, we have been here for many years. I’m not saying it doesn’t go on, but it depends on the place and who is running it.”

Community trust shaken

Long-time customer Sue Williams, 57, a furniture restorer, shared mixed feelings about the allegations. While expressing support for the workers, she said she trusted authorities to ensure compliance.

“They work hard and do a good job. I’ve been coming here for years. I’d think again if the place was being used for money laundering and was staffed by slave labour. But I put my trust in the police and immigration authorities to make sure it’s a properly run business.”

Government response

The Home Office emphasised the severe consequences for businesses employing workers without the legal right to work in the UK. A spokesperson said:

“You can also be penalised if you employ someone who does not have the right to work and you did not do the correct checks, or you did not do them properly. If this happens, you might get a ‘referral notice’ to let you know your case is being considered and that you might have to pay a civil penalty (fine) of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker.”

Publishing the names of offending businesses is part of the government’s strategy to deter others from engaging in illegal employment practices.

Employers urged to comply

The £120,000 fine highlights the importance of compliance with right-to-work laws. Businesses must verify employees’ legal status through checks such as reviewing passports, visas, or work permits.

The Home Office provides a free online service to assist employers, helping them avoid fines and reputational damage.

The penalty against Drive & Shine has raised serious questions about employment practices in the car wash industry, sparking concerns about oversight and compliance nationwide.

THE BEVAN COMMISSION, in collaboration with Llais and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in the United States, has launched the ‘Silly Rules’ initiative to tackle barriers hindering health and social care services in Wales.

The initiative, introduced on November 18, aims to identify outdated or unnecessary processes that obstruct safe and effective care, offering solutions to improve services for all.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES
People, communities, and health and social care staff are encouraged to contribute to the initiative by completing a survey. This will help identify processes that no longer add value and may be creating unnecessary challenges in delivering or receiving care.

Building on the success of the 2016 ‘Breaking the Rules for Better Care’ campaign by Professor Don Berwick, a Bevan Commissioner and healthcare improvement pioneer, this initiative seeks to adapt global lessons to the Welsh context. The original campaign transformed healthcare systems worldwide by addressing inefficiencies, reducing waste, and improving outcomes for both patients and professionals.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER CARE
Dr. Helen Howson, Director of the Bevan Commission, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Often the best solutions come from the people who experience health and care services and those working in the system—both those providing and receiving care. We know there are processes and rules that may have made sense at one time but are now outdated, creating unnecessary barriers and frustration.

“By launching the Silly Rules initiative in Wales, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to help identify these. This isn’t just about finding problems—it’s about working together to create practical solutions that make health and care work better for everyone. Building on the success we’ve seen globally, we believe this initiative can transform care delivery in Wales, making it more efficient, responsive, and patient-centered.”

Alyson Thomas, Chief Executive of Llais, echoed this sentiment: “This is a great opportunity for us to join forces with the Bevan Commission to hear your ‘Silly Rules.’ Our unique role in Llais allows us to hear from people across both health and social care, giving us access to a broader range of ideas and experiences. This initiative ensures that people accessing care, along with staff, have a voice in shaping better services.”

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CARE
Findings from the Silly Rules survey will be shared in the first quarter of 2025 with health boards, trusts, social care organisations, and communities across Wales. This collective insight will guide policymakers and leaders in removing unnecessary barriers, improving care outcomes, enhancing staff satisfaction, and ensuring a better experience for everyone.

Health and social care staff, alongside Welsh communities, are encouraged to participate and contribute to these meaningful improvements. Together, we can break down the barriers to better care.

HAVERFORDWEST Magistrates’ Court will hear the sentencing of a Milford Haven woman found guilty of possessing a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Megan Poupard, aged 21, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, was convicted on September 17, 2024, after pleading guilty to possessing an XL Bully—a breed falling under Section 1 of the legislation. The dog was examined by Dyfed-Powys Police, confirming it met the criteria for a fighting dog as outlined by law.

The case, which occurred on March 24, 2024, in Milford Haven, was adjourned in November to allow for DNA testing to confirm the animal’s breed. Poupard now faces a potential penalty of up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10:00am on Monday, December 2, 2024. The Dangerous Dogs Act is a contentious piece of legislation aimed at curbing the ownership of breeds deemed dangerous to the public, often sparking debates about enforcement and breed-specific bans.

Updates on the case will follow as the court reaches its decision.