The report claims that government action is being driven by external events, such as Jim Sheridan’s Gangmasters Bill. The committee has recommended that structures are simplified and streamlined and that a single minister is responsible for the issue. However, it does commend the retailers for their efforts in stamping out rogue gangmasters.

Committee chairman Michael Jack MP said: “This lack of a concerted approach by government still leaves many thousands of people vulnerable to both exploitation and personal danger… Temporary workers operating in safe conditions and paying their taxes are of vital importance to British agriculture and horticulture. If this labour is to operate safely in the future then the government needs to get its act together fast and appoint a minister… to ensure that the elimination of illegal gangmasters becomes the story rather than the tragedies of those who work for them.”

The committee welcomed retailer efforts to address the issue, working through the Ethical Trade Initiative to deal with the problem. The British Retail Consortium has backed the committee’s call for the government to introduce a co-ordinated approach. Kevin Hawkins, BRC director general, said: “The report has recognised that food retailers have done more than any other part of the food chain to stamp out rogue gangmasters and their illegal practices. We do not believe that policy makers should shift enforcement of law from the relevant authorities and agencies onto business. We expect British law to be enforced by the government.”

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