Employers who pick up workers for cash-in-hand jobs could land themselves with a fine and criminal record, after Harrow Council imposed a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at a casual labourers’ hot spot.
Queensbury and Kenton East ward councillors took action after complaints of antisocial behaviour and mess in Honeypot Lane, which residents say was caused by groups of casual labourers looking for work.
Harrow Council sent letters to 10,000 residents in the affected area, proposing a PSPO which would make it illegal to pick up workers for cash-in-hand labour and reportedly received 90 positive responses, with the order being put in place on Monday (February 22).
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The PSPO runs along Honeypot Lane where it meets Brent’s boundary, running along the boundary through to and including the roundabout between Streatfield Road and Charlton Road and will be in place for 12 months.
Cllr Graham Henson, portfolio holder for environment, crime and community safety, said: “We received numerous complaints about antisocial behaviour and harassment caused by people hanging around looking for work.
“We put this PSPO in place to protect residents as well as the workers, who are often exploited by employers who don’t go through the proper channels when taking on labourers.
“Our environment enforcement officers are doing a great job of keeping our streets safe and tidy and we want to keep it that way.”
Anyone caught picking up casual workers within the PSPO area could now face an instant £100 Fixed Penalty Fine or possible criminal prosecution.
