Should GLA legislation be extended?
February 15, 2010 at 2:45 pm | Posted in Goldteam News | Leave a commentTags: compliance, ethics, food industry, gangmaster, GLA, hospitality, recruitment, recruitment agencies, vulnerable workers
While it’s great to see news of crackdowns on illegal operatives working as herb pickers in Norfolk – and the ongoing investigation into suspected unlicensed gangmaster activity – I believe there should be an extension of legislation into other industries. We operate in the food production, hospitality and healthcare sectors, and are licensed by the Gangmaster Licensing Authority because food production is a regulated area. Unfortunately even just using the word gangmaster has a negative connotation these days. Those recruiters who choose to operate ethically and in full compliance with the law often get tarred with the same brush as ruthless criminals who set out to exploit vulnerable and often illegal workers. Vulnerable workers and unscrupulous operators are not confined to the food manufacturing sector. I would argue that industries such as hospitality and construction should also be regulated – particularly with the 2012 Olympics coming up. The recent crackdown is obviously good news – but there is a danger that ‘rogue traders’ will just move into to other unregulated areas – that’s bad for vulnerable workers, bad for recruitment and bad for Britain! What’s your view?
The new supermarket ombudsman and the recruiter relationship
February 10, 2010 at 5:09 pm | Posted in fmcg | 1 CommentTags: gangmaster, GLA, recruitment, recruitment agencies, supermarket
Posted by Karen Furminger
I was interested – and pleased – to read that that the Government is to create a new supermarket ombudsman to help resolve disputes between grocers and their suppliers. All too often we see big players demand very high standards ( as well as very tight margins) from their suppliers which can result in issues at the bottom of the chain. However, I have to say that some supermarkets are really setting an excellent benchmark. Waitrose, for example, is working with its supply chain and the Gangmasters Licencing Authority to establish clear guidelines to follow and is offering help and support to achieve them. This includes audit standards that reflect legislative requirements. It is with these sorts of actions that better stronger links can be made. Direct contact and close working relationships from the supermarkets with the recruitment agencies is needed to ensure that messages and guidance are not diluted. This will also ensure that any framework reflects the needs of all stakeholders in the chain. At Goldteam we would certianly welcome inclusion to working parties and forums to achieve better standards for all.
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