The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has prepared a first draft of its response to the Gangmaster’s Licensing Authority’s (GLA) Supermarket Protocol.

The FPC is inviting members to provide feedback on this draft, which will be discussed further at a consultation workshop where the GLA will present the proposed protocol on July 8.

There are some key concerns for suppliers raised in this protocol which demonstrate the need for the GLA to seek a better understanding of the views of suppliers/labour users before developing the protocol further, according to the FPC.

One of the main concerns is, under the Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004, which established the GLA, a labour provider is allowed the right of appeal. In the GLA and Retailers’ protocol, no such right of appeal is afforded to a labour user that the GLA considers to be complicit in worker exploitation.

In its weekly update to members, the FPC said: “It is essential to ensure that the GLA and all sectors of the supply chain understand fully the impact of this proposed protocol.

“The protocol raises concerns about the sharing of sensitive commercial information obtained during joint retailer/GLA visits to suppliers and the potential use of retailers’ commercial power in the supply chain as an extension of the operational powers of the GLA. The GLA should apply the powers provided within its remit, rather than depend upon commercial relationships between retailers and their suppliers.

“The GLA has worked successfully to curb the exploitation of workers by harnessing the support and goodwill of all elements of the food supply chain, from labour users, suppliers (processors and packers) to retailers. The GLA has already demonstrated, through a number of its activities, how working with the supply chain can lead to positive outcomes and bring rogue gangmasters to book.”