The labour provider at the heart of Channel 4's investigation into alleged worker mistreatment at a packhouse operated by Mansfields claims that the network manipulated its footage to 'create the impression [it] clearly wanted to portray'.
The network broadcast its investigation on its flagship news show last night (19 October), claiming that the Kent-based giant made its Romanian labourers - provided by Pro-Force - operate in a tough working culture, and live in dilapidated accommodation.
One scene from the investigation showed what was claimed to be 'one of the best' worker caravans on the site at Nickle Farm. The sink in the footage contained a gaping hole, the toilet was in a terrible condition, and other parts of the alleged worker accommodation were shown to be sub-standard.
Mansfields has referred to the allegations as being 'false', and of portraying a 'distorted' picture.
Matt Jarrett, managing director of Pro-Force, said: “Pro-Force operates in a highly regulated sector, and is under constant scrutiny by third party auditors, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, the Health & Safety Executive, HMRC and SEDEX, the “ethical watchdog” for the supermarkets. We are monitored continually, and have never failed any of the numerous unannounced audits carried out, demonstrating our best practice in all aspects of our business.
'We are therefore very disappointed that Channel 4 News has broadcast numerous and wide-ranging allegations of serious wrongdoing, despite Pro-Force having given themextensive evidence that its allegations were unfounded and its sources of information lacked credibility.
'When we were contacted by Channel 4 News with its claims, we informed them that the living conditions they described – we were not shown footage – bore no relation to the standards of the accommodation we supply, which is audited frequently by regulators as well as weekly by our welfare officers.
'Now we have seen the footage Channel 4 News has deployed to make its allegations, Pro-Force can confirm it is in fact a compilation of images of: a toilet and damaged wall from an old, disused portable cabin that had been broken into; a surplus, disconnected sink in a caravan that was due for removal and which until recently only had a hairline fracture; and close-up views of a couple of damp patches – common when vents are closed – in an otherwise clean and tidy caravan. These must have been edited together to create the impression Channel 4 News clearly wanted to portray. It is not footage of a worker’s caravan, contrary to the assertions made by Channel 4 News.'
Jarrett also claimed that a further example of 'misrepresentation' from the broadcast was a scene in which workers were allegedly suffering sickness from a “leaking” air conditioning unit.
Jarrett told FPJ that Pro-Force gave Channel 4 News 'unambiguous evidence' from an air conditioning engineer who is not employed by Pro-Force or Mansfields that the fluid used in the system is non-toxic, that none of the fluid escaped, and that the mist was condensing air: 'Channel 4 News ignored this conclusive evidence that there could be no sickness from fumes,' Jarrett said.
He added: 'We adhere to all the legal standards governing our industry. However, Pro-Force strives to go beyond these, always looking for improvement in all areas. We have a number of ways for workers to report, anonymously, any problems with their working conditions or living arrangements. Our workers are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to ensuring they have a rewarding experience working with us.
'Despite this, we accept there are some areas we want to look into further – such as how staff are communicated with, how clearly they understand that, for example, overtime is optional. Should this uncover any area for improvement, we will rectify problems and review processes as necessary, in our ongoing efforts to be the leading labour provider in our field.
'Channel 4 News has not shown the typical experiences of our workers, 70 per cent of whom are returnees, coming back to us year after year. That is a clear testament to our dedication to high welfare standards.”
A spokesperson for Channel 4 News, said: 'Channel 4 stands by its investigation. The footage was provided to us by bona fide workers housed by Pro-Force in one of its caravans on a site away from Nickle Farm.
'The workers have also supplied documentation proving they worked for Pro-Force and were charged rent for the caravan accordingly. Further information will be disclosed on Channel 4 News tonight (20 October).'
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