The Association of Labour Providers (ALP) has launched a new software tool to help organisations using agency labour ensure fair treatment of temporary workers, eliminate exploitation and work towards best practice.
Developed in association with Marks & Spencer suppliers, the Agency Labour Best Practice & Audit Tool enables businesses that supply or use agency workers to ensure that they are acting ethically and within the law. It mirrors the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) standards, and enables labour providers and users to work in partnership towards best practice.
The response from the M&S suppliers who took part in the trial was extremely favourable, with all testers stating that they found the tool easy to use and that it would be a considerable asset to their businesses.
As well as the food and agriculture sectors which are regulated by the GLA, the “Agency Labour Best Practice & Audit Tool” tool is totally transferable as a benchmark to other areas where agency working is prevalent.
ALP director David Camp said: “The vast majority of businesses want to do the right thing and ensure that agency workers receive their due rights and entitlements. We are delighted that M&S suppliers have found this tool to be of such benefit, and we thank them for their involvement in its development. Used as a partnership tool between labour users and labour providers, it will improve legal and ethical standards and help protect the safety and welfare of agency workers.”
Shayne Tyler, operations manager at vegetable supplier Manor Fresh Ltd, said: “At Manor Fresh, assuring that workers are treated fairly throughout our supply chain is of paramount importance to our business and to our brand. The Agency Labour Audit Tool supports us in achieving this aim by providing a comprehensive and consistent benchmark against which we monitor our agency labour supply. The structured questions, relevant guidance and reporting tools simplify and standardise our processes.”
Clear and straightforward to use with relevant guidance throughout, the tool is reasonably priced and is downloadable from http://www.labourproviders.org.uk/audit-tool.aspx.
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