Earlier today, industry leaders and key stakeholders gathered at the British Retail Consortium in London for the Seasonal Worker Scheme Taskforce Roundtable Event to explore recent developments, changes, and key priorities for protecting migrant worker welfare in the UK.
Pro-Force's CEO, Matt Jarrett, known for his commitment to ensuring robust compliance and ethical standards in worker welfare, was invited to participate in crucial discussions centered around the risks and priorities of the Seasonal Worker Scheme. Joining him at the event were Andy Simpson, Pro-Force Director, and Sam Zubaidi, Pro-Force Director of Compliance.
The panel, chaired by Dame Sara Thornton, former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, included a diverse group of experts such as Emma Johnson from the UKVI's Seasonal Worker Scheme Team, Catherine Frayne from Defra's Seasonal Labour and Worker Welfare Team, and Caroline Robinson, Executive Director of the Worker Support Centre. Together, these leaders represented a cross-section of government, industry, and advocacy groups, all committed to enhancing protection for seasonal workers.
During the event, Matt emphasised, "The pressure on supply chains due to the increase in the National Living Wage and the forthcoming National Insurance increases makes for an interesting year ahead. Cost recovery from UK brands is challenging, which places significant pressure on supply chains. We must ensure that this pressure does not negatively impact the workers, which is something we must watch closely."
In addition, Matt highlighted the importance of vigilance in an industry facing consolidation due to these pressures. "I certainly see consolidation in the industry with some growers not being able to adapt," he noted. "We must remain extremely vigilant to the pressure and potential fallout to the workers to ensure their welfare is priority."
The panel explored a range of topics, including the implications of evolving legislative requirements, the impact of economic pressures on supply chains, and strategies to ensure that worker welfare remains a top priority. By bringing together such a comprehensive group of people, the event fostered actionable insights and provided a platform for diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving to drive positive change in the sector. The collective aim was clear: to protect and enhance the welfare of migrant workers, who play an essential role in the UK economy.
In an ever-changing industry, events like this are vital for ensuring that progress is made in protecting those most vulnerable. Pro-Force remains committed to leading these efforts and advocating for policies and practices that prioritise worker welfare. Matt Jarrett was honoured to be invited to be part of the discussions, and is dedicated to collaborating to continue to actively shape the future of the Seasonal Worker Scheme.
The Seasonal Worker Scheme Taskforce Roundtable Event marked another step forward in the ongoing journey to safeguard the rights and well-being of seasonal workers across the UK. As discussions continue, the hope is that collaborative efforts will lead to substantial improvements in the lives of these essential workers.
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