A GLA investigation supported by Sainsbury’s and Produce World has uncovered abuse by a Cambridgeshire gangmaster who supplied workers to Allpress Farms.

The licence of Peterborough-based ELS Recruitment Ltd has been revoked with immediate effect, with Sainsbury’s and Produce World working to fully support the work of the GLA and secure continuing employment of the workers. Allpress Farms supplies leeks to Produce World, which in turn supplies Sainsbury’s.

The GLA-led inspection, which involved Sainsbury’s and Produce World, uncovered: a worker allegedly having been assaulted by Shamus Paul, ELS director; workers threatened and verbally abused by Paul and ELS staff; hours deducted from workers’ pay on a regular basis with no explanation; overcrowded vans carrying employees to work, travelling at high speeds; workers forced to pay at least £4.50 a day to use company transport, which they were obliged to use; workers told they would not be paid if they took holiday, and no evidence of statutory sick pay; some workers not given copies of their contracts; and no evidence of health and safety training. Some of the workers who questioned these practices or complained were fired, said the GLA.

Judith Batchelor, director of Sainsbury’s brand, said: “Sainsbury’s takes the welfare of workers and sourcing with integrity very seriously, and this is the type of behaviour that both we and Produce World find totally unacceptable.

“We expect each and every one of our suppliers and growers to conform to our Code of Conduct for Socially Responsible Sourcing, which clearly sets out the standards we demand - including worker health and safety, freedom of employment, hours of work and wages.”

GLA chairman Paul Whitehouse said: “The GLA welcomes the help provided by Sainsbury’s and Produce World through the inspection and by offering the workers new jobs. It is a great relief that the workers do not have to suffer the further stress of finding new work now we have shut down ELS Recruitment Ltd. The community impact risk of workers having no accommodation is also being actively managed.”

Joint action between the GLA and retailers has now begun, following a meeting earlier this month to discuss ways to resolve exploitation issues in the food supply chain. All major supermarkets are currently involved, and it is hoped a signed agreement aimed at helping the workers affected by exploitation and other best practice will be formally signed soon.

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