NFU seeks support for gangmaster licensing bill

Farmers are urging East Anglia's MPs to back proposed laws seeking to establish a licensing system for gangmasters. The NFU says the draft legislation, drawn up by Labour MP Jim Sheridan, would protect workers and ease labour supply problems for farmers and growers. Mr Sheridan's private member's bill is due to receive its second reading on Friday (27 February) and the NFU hopes many of the region's MPs will be in the Commons to support it. NFU regional director Pamela Forbes said: "The supply of labour to farmers and growers on a short term basis is crucial to the running of many business, particularly in this region where we grow a lot of fruit, vegetables and salad crops. "Farmers do everything they can to source these key workers from reputable suppliers but without a licensing scheme it is difficult to identify the rogue gangmasters who are breaking the law and abusing workers' rights. "No one knows how many gangmasters are operating, or how many casual workers they employ.

It's time for legislation to shine some light on this shadowy world and to force all gangmasters to operate within the law." Mr Sheridan's Bill would require gangmasters operating in agriculture to obtain licences and work within the law, including respecting employment provisions such as the national minimum wage. In a briefing to MPs, the NFU says there is widespread support for action from trade unions, food retailers, food processors, and employers' representatives. It says it is vital that the Bill receives its second reading. Otherwise the political pressure on the Government to take decisive action will ease and a rare opportunity for a "robust change in the law" will be lost.