NFU hits back at MPs’ claims seasonal workers pilot will increase modern slavery risk

Though Mr Norris said he did not want to stop the pilot altogether, he claimed the previous SAWS which was closed in 2013 had seen workers report ‘utter deprivation’ due to ‘low hours, bad weather, being paid less than the minimum wage and being unable to afford to fly home’.

He, along with Mr Snell, suggested every worker brought into the UK under the scheme should be given access to a trade union and knowledge of what their rights are and how to enforce them.

But Ali Capper, chairman of the NFU horticulture board, told Farmers Guardian workers in the farming industry have a double layer of protection from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and retailer audits.

“If I bring in workers from labour agencies, I have to be able to prove to the retailer I have gone and done an audit of accommodation, I have to prove I have asked workers if they are being treated fairly, I have to prove I have checked their payslips to make sure what I am paying the labour provider is what is being paid to the worker,” said Ms Capper.

Spotlight

“No other sector goes through any of this. It is a shame farming is always in the spotlight when there are debates and discussions about modern slavery.

“When you look at the statistics, it is other industries such as cars washes and nail bars where the problem sits.

“We have got enough to worry about without this distraction.”

Nick Hurd, the Government Minister responding to the debate, said the GLAA had recently been given new powers to investigate modern slavery.

He also pointed out the pilot scheme operators had been given responsibility for ensuring the welfare of workers and the Home Office would revoke their licences if they failed to meet the requirements.