The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) is calling on agencies that provide flower-pickers in Cornwall and the growers themselves to join them in helping to stamp out worker exploitation through the coming season.
Problems have been experienced in previous years when daffodil picking gets underway in the county in January.
Migrant workers arrive to find their working and living conditions in the UK do not match what was described.
As the county prepares for scores of workers to arrive in the next few days ready for the 2014 picking season, GLA Chief executive Paul Broadbent said:“With a large influx of migrant workers to any area over a relatively short period of time, opportunities exist to exploit these vulnerable people who have little or no command of English.
“The majority of operators adhere to the necessary regulations in place to protect workers, but there are some unscrupulous businesses who, driven by profit, may underpay or mistreat their workers - cutting corners to make money.
“From our perspective, the messages are simple – labour agencies supplying workers for flower-picking need to have a current GLA licence and must comply with our licensing standards.
“Flower growers using labour provided by a gangmaster should only employ pickers from licensed operators and should treat those workers fairly and with respect at all times. If in doubt, call the GLA and we will help you.'
He added: “And to everyone else in Cornwall, if you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place or workers are being exploited in any way, contact us free and in confidence on 0800 432 0804.”
