A new working group is aiming to produce a blueprint for seasonal worker accommodation and ward off potential PR disasters such as that which hit FW Mansfield last autumn.
The Nickle Farm Working Group was set up in the wake of October’s Channel 4 exposé into worker conditions at the Kent grower. Mansfields argued many of the allegations were misleading, but nevertheless moved to avoid any repeat by establishing a group together with labour provider Pro-Force and suppliers Norton Folgate, Chingford Fruit, Worldwide Fruit and Total Produce, to look at accommodation issues.
FPJ understands Mansfields has made changes to its accommodation on the back of the programme, and the group feels that the findings of its work could also prove valuable for the wider industry.
The group initially engaged consultants ESC International, which carried out an audit into the issues raised by C4, as well as labour standard management systems at Mansfields and Pro-Force. They then engaged with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health to gain agreement on how accommodation should be measured.
A draft standard has now been circulated to other growers, marketers, retailers and labour providers to gain their feedback. The 23-page document, seen by FPJ, includes guidance on everything from site boundaries and roads to water and electricity provision, facilities, unit size, sanitary conditions and much more.
The group, which envisages contributing to the debate but not leading the development of any industry standard long term, is now engaging with the Ethical Trading Initiative and Fresh Produce Consortium.
Currently its work has been limited to fruit, and specifically those companies involved in growing and selling Mansfields’ produce, but it believes it could be taken on and developed for the whole industry.
Group spokesman Gavin Gill, group technical manager at Poupart Produce, told FPJ that it was too early to say that the work could lead to legislation, stressing that it was all about promoting best practice and showing the industry is proactively tackling the issue. He also rejected suggestions it could lead to a ban on the use of temporary caravans.
“Although the process has identified some significant challenges, it is hoped the process of building a framework to help identify and address significant shortfalls in worker accommodation has begun.
“It is important to note that our intention is to recognise and, where possible, share good and best practice.”
