Recruitment Matters Issue 22 February 2014
Trade Association of the Year
Whatās inside The Intelligence 2 -3 and REC Talk
Theresa May visits the REC to discuss worker exploitation
Spotting green shoots It is estimated that nearly 30 million people around the world are trapped in modern slavery. Recruiters can often help prevent and spot this type of exploitation, as we explore in this issue of Recruitment Matters on pages 4-5. In October, the Home Secretary Theresa May spoke at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) about her departmentās work to crack down on worker exploitation. After the meeting, the RECās chief executive Kevin Green said: āThe REC has a strong relationship with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and the Home Ofļ¬ce, and a shared commitment to eradicating worker exploitation from labour supply chains. We strongly support Theresa Mayās plan for an modern slavery bill to address the inļ¬ltration of the UKās labour market by criminal gangs and human trafļ¬ckers.ā One example of an industry in which worker exploitation is common is ļ¬ower picking. The GLA is calling on agencies that provide ļ¬ower pickers in Cornwall, as well as the growers themselves, to join them in helping to stamp out worker exploitation through the current season. Problems have been experienced in past years when daffodil picking gets underway in the county, says the GLA, with migrant workers arriving to ļ¬nd their working and living
conditions in the UK do not match what was described. GLA chief executive Paul Broadbent said: āWith a large inļ¬ux of migrant workers to any area over a relatively short period of time, opportunities exist to exploit these vulnerable people who have little or no command of English. āThe majority of operators adhere to the necessary regulations in place to protect workers, but there are some unscrupulous businesses who, driven by proļ¬t, may underpay or mistreat their workers ā cutting corners to make money. āFrom our perspective, the messages are simple ā labour agencies supplying workers for ļ¬ower picking need to have a current GLA licence and must comply with our licensing standards. Flower growers using labour provided by a gangmaster should only employ pickers from licensed operators and should treat those workers fairly and with respect at all times. If in doubt, call the GLA and we will help you. āAnd to everyone else in Cornwall, if you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place or workers are being exploited in any way, contact us free and in conļ¬dence on 0800 432 0804.ā To learn how you can help ā and what red ļ¬ags to look out for ā read our expert advice on page 4.
The skills gap, the year ahead for the REC policy makers and how to make the most of economic growth
The plight of 4-5 modern day slavery The government and labour bodies are trying to stop worker exploitation. Hereās how recruiters can help
Update and Business Matters 6Legal The legal lowdown and RECās new business partner IT First
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Institute of Recruitment Professionals We speak to Steve Perkins from Orgtel and Ian Alexander from MAA International Ltd
Best Events and Training 8 The REC Audited Education and the new City Conference Tours
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