Supermarkets and Suppliers Protocol with the GLA

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has agreed a landmark Protocol with the UK’s major retailers and their suppliers to help tackle worker exploitation. The agreement is the culmination of extensive talks and consultation with the retailers and the supply chain over the last two years.

The Protocol sets out how the GLA will work with the industry to make sure proper standards are in place and includes how intelligence should be reported to the GLA, how information will be shared between all parties and what should happen after a GLA operation to make sure workers are protected.

Asda, Co-operative Food, Iceland, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose have all signed up to the Protocol. Suppliers’ involvement was led by the Fresh Produce Consortium and the National Farmers Union.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA, said:

“Much has been achieved in recent years in protecting workers from abuse in the UK food industry. But problems still exist. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s report into the meat industry highlights some of the challenges that remain. This Protocol shows that everybody in the industry is determined to make sure workers are treated fairly and legitimate businesses are not undercut by rogues.”

Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said:

“The Fresh Produce Consortium welcomes the introduction of this Protocol which recognises the importance of equal partnership between retailers and their suppliers to maximise the protection of vulnerable workers. The GLA has made great strides by working with the supply chain to bring rogue gangmasters to book and eliminate labour abuse across the fresh produce industry.”

Philip Hudson, Chief Horticultural Adviser at the NFU, said:

“The NFU is delighted to be able to support this protocol which recognises the importance of the GLA working together with retailers and suppliers in the shared mission of preventing the abuse of workers.”

Dan Rees, Director of the Ethical Trading Initiative, said:

“This Protocol represents a great opportunity to make a real difference. By working together with the GLA, supermarkets and suppliers’ can take full advantage of their unique position in the food supply chain to help drive improvement in conditions for the most vulnerable workers in the UK food industry.”

The main features of the Protocol are:

 Supermarkets and suppliers will provide the GLA with information about any suspected breaches of the GLA’s licensing standards. The GLA will provide advice on what action the supermarkets and suppliers could take to make sure workers are best protected.

 The GLA, supermarkets and suppliers will work together to tackle worker exploitation that has been uncovered by a GLA operation.

Notes to Editors

1. This Protocol follows two consultations held during 2009.

2. The Protocol will be reviewed annually.

3. Paul Whitehouse, GLA Chairman, and Ian Livsey, GLA Chief Executive, are available for interview.

ENDS

Press Enquiries: 0115 900 8963

or 07825 797 095

www.gla.gov.uk