forced to work in a culture of fear and intimidation. Some of those who complained about
conditions said they had been sacked or blacklisted.
Workers employed by Spanish food companies linked to UK supermarkets also claimed that
throughout the pandemic they have been denied access to adequate personal protective
equipment (PPE) that under Spanish law they are entitled to as essential workers. Many said they
were not given enough face masks, gloves or hand sanitiser and have been unable to socially
distance at work.
La Molineta shantytown
One man employed at a big food company supplying the UK says that he has only been given two
face masks in six months.
In response to the investigation, the British Retail Consortium – members of which include
Sainsbury’s, Asda, Lidl and Aldi – released a statement calling on the Spanish government to
launch an inquiry.
Commenting on the Observer’s findings, Olivier De Schutter, the United Nations special
rapporteur on extreme poverty, says the situation facing migrant workers in southern Spain is a
human tragedy.