Supermarkets need to scrutinise supply chain more closely, says Unite
16 May 2012 10:38 AM
Supermarkets should look more closely at the companies in their supply chain to root out any abuse of migrant workers, Unite, the union, has said.
Unite called on the government to get tough when it comes to legislate on its supermarket code, following a new report, Experiences of Forced Labour in the UK Food Industry by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Unite’s national officer for the food sector, Jennie Formby said: “One of the key ways to ensure workers get decent treatment and protection from exploitation is for trade unions to organise at these workplaces.
“The fact that these companies will all be supplying supermarkets makes it imperative that senior supermarket executives should be scrutinising those firms supplying their chains of stores for abuses.
“This report confirms our fears and makes it even more important that when ministers come to legislate on its supermarket code, there must be no dilutions or watering down - the rot in the supply chain starts at the top, and causes the horrific abuses that we have long campaigned against.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Unite communications officer, Shaun Noble on 07768 693940