Asda told freshinfo it sourced small volumes from Bomfords and has been in contact with the supplier since freshinfo broke the story last week. “We have begun a full investigation and have been in regular touch with Bomfords over the past week,” said a spokeswoman.
“We understand that staff employed by the suspended labour provider have now been moved over to being employed directly by Bomfords and they took that action very swiftly. Our ethical trading manager, Chris McCann, represents the British Retail Consortium on the GLA board and has been extremely active in the establishment of the GLA.”
Sainsbury’s, another Bomfords customer, issued the following statement: Sainsbury’s has comprehensive sourcing requirements. Compliance with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority’s regulations is essential, and we are working with our supplier to understand and resolve any issues with their licensed labour providers.”
And Tesco said it was “urgently investigating these serious allegations”. The retailer played an important role with the Fresh Produce Consortium and others in the trade in bringing licensing to the labour-provision industry. “Tesco was active in securing the Gangmaster Licensing Act and we expect our suppliers to meet strict independently audited criteria for labour,” said a spokeswoman. “This includes ensuring they manage their agencies and non-permanent workforce responsibly.”
Morrisons is still sourcing product from Bomfords and told freshinfo: “Morrisons does not tolerate the exploitation of workers and expects its suppliers to ensure that staff are working legally, safely and treated fairly. We have been in constant communication with Bomfords, who have suspended all the involved agencies and plan to review this during the next week with regard to longer term options. We source all our products from reputable suppliers, all of which, where applicable, have GLA licences to protect workers and their rights.”
Although none of Waitrose’s produce was handled by the three packhouse sites concerned, Waitrose’s corporate PR manager Gill Smith said the retailer was looking carefully at the situation. “Waitrose requires all its suppliers and growers to ensure that their labour providers are registered and comply with new GLA requirements,” she said.
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