The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is calling on the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) to develop stronger relationships across the fresh produce sector and to get to know the industry at grassroots level to combat rouge operators.
The call comes following the publication this week of the Better Regulation Executive’s investigation into the GLA. The report measured the regulatory performance of the authority against risk-based principles outlined in the 2005 Hampton review and found the GLA is making good progress towards receiving additional powers that will enable it to fine those who break its rules.
The report found that the GLA has had an impressive impact in improving the working conditions for some vulnerable workers, is open and responsive to external challenge, and has been effective in building consensus on the best regulatory solutions amongst a diverse set of stakeholders.
But the study also identified issues the GLA needs to address including working with a wider range of partners to improve its intelligence gathering. Its authors said: “The GLA had built strong relationships with HMRC and the police but could explore other potential sources of information from the agricultural sector. It could also benefit by clarifying its decision-making process in licensing cases, to help stakeholders understand how better to comply and avoid prosecution.”
The report itself stated: “Strong relationships with compliant businesses will be critical in ensuring the GLA receives the right level of intelligence to act effectively against rogue businesses,” and suggested the authority should have “direct exposure to conditions in the field as a basis for building a closer understanding of issues affecting the sector”.
It is this that the FPC is keen to encourage. FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney said: “Whilst greater understanding of the industry is important and will be enhanced by the recently formed labour-user group, it is critical that the GLA applies the powers provided within its remit and takes a more strategic focus on those companies acting outside the licensing system, given that the GLA currently estimates that around 25 percent of labour providers are not licensed. These illegal practices must be stamped out to protect the workforce and responsible labour users.”
Meanwhile, Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA is not resting on his laurels. He said: “We are continuing to focus on the rogues and support good businesses by dealing with those who illegally undercut them… The report is very encouraging but we know there is still more we can and must do. We will be acting on the recommendations in the report. “
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