Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to combat modern day slavery in agriculture.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority operates a licensing scheme to regulate businesses that provide temporary labour in high risk sectors in the agricultural, shell fish gathering and food processing and packaging sectors, to protect workers from exploitation. The scheme is underpinned by licensing conditions, which require businesses to comply with employment and other relevant law.

In addition, section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, requires all businesses operating in the UK with a turnover of £36 million or more to report on the steps they are taking to prevent and tackle slavery and human trafficking in their supply chains. While many businesses in the agricultural sector may not meet the turnover threshold, the legislation is having a knock on effect with many large businesses, including supermarket chains, providing support and advice to smaller businesses in their supply chains to improve standards.