MUCH is written about safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, but what is actually being done?

An elderly neighbour employed a gardener.

My knowledge of what was happening was based on snippets of information.

He would turn up on different days and times so it was difficult for anyone else to check on him. He ran out of time to complete tasks, and had to come for more hours – and more pay.

Crops from the garden were poor – or disappeared. He promised to get items of shopping, took the cash, but did not bring the receipts or all of the goods. He was paid “cash in hand” – supporting the black economy.

My neighbour was scared of upsetting the man and did not want to cause a scene. Who would listen to the concerns of a neighbour? Do Social Services monitor help given to the elderly?

Would the Police be interested that “my neighbour seemed to be losing garden produce”?

Would the Job Centre or HMRC be interested, or the Council want to check if he was getting Housing Benefit whilst working?

His hours were erratic, and he said he worked for other people. It is difficult for vulnerable people to realise that they are not the only victim.

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