Why use a reputable labour provider?
Using a labour provider should provide you with a service of high-quality measures. Labour providers allow flexibility of temporary works, which allows businesses to cover sickness, holidays, and all other shortages of staff quickly and efficiently, so as not to affect the workload of existing staff members, or slow down production or productivity. The ability to take on temporary works with a labour provider allows employers to plan for seasonal fluctuations and availability. This way of covering staff also allows employers to actively turn temporary workers, into full time, permanent employees as they will have been able to see how that person works, and if they are a good fit for the company.
This service is excellent when provided by a reputable company, which is why labour providers must adhere to certain regulations to avoid exploitation of workers and be wary of the varied practices applied by unscrupulous labour providers to illegally undercut compliant operators. Standards are agreed upon between labour providers and their clients to ensure they meet good practice and statutory requirements under all tax, health and safety and employment laws.
Build capacity and obtain ongoing support and advice
There are several bodies available to provide support to labour providers who are intent on upholding safe and fair working conditions to temporary workers. The Association of Labour Providers promotes recruitment and good labour management that is responsible and supplies a workforce that is knowledgeable to the UK food processing and agricultural supply chain.
Stronger Together is a multi-stakeholder initiative that supports organisations in all sectors to be mindful of modern slavery risks in business and supply chains. It helps companies to be aware of these issues in their own businesses and supply chains. This company provides training resources and tools to help equip businesses with the knowledge and techniques to deter malpractice.
Responsible Recruitment Toolkit promotes ethical and professional practices that is good for both clients and workers. Techniques learnt through this body can help businesses be recognised as responsible recruiters to supply chains regardless of the industry. The Responsible Recruitment Toolkit allows users to access to step-by-step guidance at international ethical standards. They can also access specialist guidance contextualised to specific countries and sectors and have access to an extensive library of resources to help them manage their workforce and due diligence.
Establish Your Company Policy and Terms
As a labour provider, it is important to establish your own policy and terms that are in keeping with the most up to date legislation. This extends to the embedding of their own “code of practice for the responsible sourcing and supply of workers”.
As a Labour providers, they and their clients should establish contractual terms in a written and signed contract as well as establish a service level agreement including agreed Key Performance Indicators to manage the relationship and to ensure the service is achieving expectations and policy commitments.