Page 5 - Farm labour in the UK

shortfalls exist across all sectors. This could be led by AHDB.
➢ Defra should commission a thorough evaluation of the seasonal worker pilot scheme prior to introducing any new worker scheme.
➢ Payments under ELMs and other schemes should include ‘social conditionality’ such that any farm payments are conditional upon the social and human rights of farm workers being respected and enforced, and penalties introduced for businesses not adhering to the policy.
➢ Establish a cross sector working group to identify ways to encourage gender and ethnic diversity in recruitment to the industry.
➢ Liaise with the MoD to include explicit inclu- sion of agricultural opportunities within the Career Transition Partnership.
For industry
➢ Supermarkets should participate in consumer awareness campaigns directly associated with corporate responsibility and fair worker treatment. All supermarkets should introduce corporate human rights policies into their overall policies, making living wages for all food workers a key priority (See Oxfam’s Supermarkets Scorecard 2021). Consumers need assurance that not only are farm workers protected but also that farmers receive a fair price for their products.
➢ Assist in the facilitation of ‘halfway’ training schemes similar to the Access to Agriculture scheme run by Harper Adams, aimed at people from non-farming backgrounds.
For scheme operators
➢ Create lasting networks. Some of the most effective schemes in place, whether training
courses, or other initiatives, or on-farm placements said that lasting networks have proved extremely important to participants.
For employers
➢ Measures need to be enforced to mitigate the risk of contagion under farm living and working conditions in terms of health and safety in the future.
➢ Create a reputation for being a good employer and undertake management and leadership skills training where possible.
➢ Ensure compliance with all employment laws and policies to ensure worker rights are fulfilled at your place of employment.
Farm labour in the U.K. Accessing the workforce the industry needs
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