The term gangmaster could soon be consigned to history with the launch this week of the Association of Labour Providers. Eighteen organisations providing labour to the agricultural industry have set up the trade association to give reputable firms operating in the sector a collective voice.
Independent chairman Mark Boleat, a former director general of the Association of British Insurers, said that all agricultural labour providers will be invited to join but must first agree to the terms of a strict code of practice being drawn up under the auspices of the Ethical Trading Initiative.
"Companies that provide labour to the agricultural industry have been the subject of political and media attention over the past year, particularly in respect of immigration issues and the terms under which they employ people," said Boleat. "It has become clear that the industry comprises a mixture of companies trying to operate within the law and to high standards and other companies which do not work in this way and as a result can unfairly undercut the regular operators. The reputable companies need to differentiate themselves by being seen to operate according to the highest standards. The trade association will be the means by which this will be done and will also give the companies an effective voice in the many policy issues relevant to their business."
The Fresh Produce Consortium, which has been working tirelessly for regulation of labour providers in the sector for six years, has welcomed the launch with a proviso. "We welcome the establishment of the ALP," said FPC ceo Doug Henderson. "But we would put forward a word of caution that it will have to make sure its members are properly accredited gangmasters who adhere to the code of practice. We would not want it to provide legitimacy to gangmasters operating illegally."
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