Well guess what – we are. Granted it is hard to believe that slavery is a “thing” in the 21st century but it is!
There are an estimated 24.9 million people in forced labour. (International Labour Organisation)
An estimated 40.3 million men, women and children around the world are trapped in modern slavery.
(2017 Global Slavery Index)
This is not just something happening “over there” or “abroad”. Last month, 17 people in Haverhill, Suffolk, were suspected of being at risk of modern slavery and labour exploitation. These Romanian men and women were working for a food processing company in Haverhill. The company spotted the signs of exploitation and notified the authorities who rescued the individuals concerned.
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
Exploitation of labour is more common in certain industry sectors particularly those with labour intensive, low paid, low skilled jobs. The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has been set up to prevent abuse of workers in the fresh produce supply chain. Recruitment companies who supply workers for agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and the packaging and processing of all fresh food, drink and other produce are required to have a GLAA licence.
Supplying workers to these sectors without a GLAA licence is a criminal offence and a recruiter can be sent to prison!
The GLAA Licencing Standards cover health and safety, accommodation, pay, transport and training and checks compliance with tax, National Insurance and VAT regulations.
We are happy to report that PureKat Consultancy has passed a GLAA inspection, with no issues whatsoever, and has a licence to operate in these sectors. Every year we will be inspected and we can be subject to ad hoc inspections at any point in time with no notice.
What does this mean for PureKat candidates?
You can be confident that if you are looking for a job in the fresh produce supply chain and you work with PureKat our procedures comply with all the requirements of the GLAA Licencing Standards. This means you will receive fair treatment and the pay, benefits and conditions to which you are entitled.
As well as the GLAA licence, we have a Modern Slavery Policy and publish an annual Modern Slavery Statement. The Statement outlines the steps PureKat has taken in the last financial year to eradicate slavery in our supply chain.
Although not bound by law to adopt and publish a Modern Slavery Statement we have made this investment because it is something we feel so strongly about.
PureKat has a zero tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery. No one should have to work for less than the minimum wage, work excessive hours or be subjected to substandard working and living conditions. We are committed to eliminating fraudulent and abusive labour practices. The aim is to educate our team and candidates on what to look out for and what they should do if they suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery.
The Bottom Line…
The goal at PureKat is always to get the right person for the right job. You may think we are making you “jump through hoops” with all our questions and forms but the bottom line is we have legal and moral responsibilities to fulfil.
For the team at PureKat there are no corners to cut. As members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and a licensed GLAA recruiter, we are championing industry best practice in every aspect of the recruitment services we offer. That is good news for our candidates.
For more information on the recruitment services offered by PureKat, please call Katrina on 01603 567354