TUC Response to the GLA Application and Inspections Consultation

Overview

It is well-established that to date the GLA has played an important role in raising standards, increasing compliance with basic legal standards and in reducing the exploitation of workers. However, independent research has also revealed that abuses of vulnerable workers in the food and agriculture sector remain prevalent.

The EHRC Inquiry into the meat processing sector in 2010 found evidence of widespread mistreatment of agency workers, particularly migrant and pregnant workers, employed in the meat processing factories. Some amounted to breaches of the law and licensing standards, such as coercing workers to do double shifts when they are tired or ill and the non-payment holiday pay; whilst others represented a clear affront to respect and dignity. The EHRC report made a compelling case for tougher and better resourced enforcement not weaker regulation.

Recent research commissioned by Joseph Rowntree Foundation also found widespread mistreatment of agency workers in the UK food industry, including the regular underpayment of wages. Workers were threatened and bullied. Racist or sexist language was sometimes used in the workplace, underpinning a climate of fear. The most notable and unexpected forced labour practice was the 'underwork scam' - recruiting too many workers and then giving them just enough employment to meet their debt to the gangmaster. The workers were effectively trapped in an exploitative relationship by the poverty that resulted from low pay, underwork, and excessive charges and deductions. The report concluded that there was a continuing need for the Gangmaster's Licensing Authority to tackle worker exploitation. To this end 'the GLA needs to be able to continue with at least the same powers, if not a greater role in tackling workplace abuse.'

Faced with these findings, the TUC is seriously concerned by proposals aimed at limiting GLA inspections and weakening the licensing system. In the TUC's opinion, the government's approach to deregulation and flexibility of labour is totally inappropriate in this context. The GLA's already limited resources will have been slashed by almost 20% by the end of this parliament based on government spending plans. With the proposed greater focus on serious crime cases the TUC is seriously concerned that abuses towards vulnerable workers in the food and agricultural sectors will go undetected and are likely to increase.

Download the full TUC response to the GLA Application and Inspections Consultation (PDF).