Supplier / retailer protocol

This protocol agreement between the GLA and the major food retailers and suppliers sets out how we will work with the industry to improve standards and protect workers. It is a commitment for major retailers and suppliers to share information and intelligence about suspicions and wrongdoings with confidence. 

It also aims to establish stronger links between the supply chain and the GLA, ensuring safety and welfare standards for workers within the industry are maintained and any exploitation of workers is eliminated.

The protocol was unveiled by Home Secretary Theresa May. 

At the launch she said: “This initiative between the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and key business partners is a vital step in tackling modern slavery in supply chains. Labour exploitation is much more common than any of us would like to believe. This is because it is a hidden crime - a hidden crime that involves trading in people’s lives. 

Buying and selling human beings as commodities, and keeping them in servitude, with little or no chance to escape. But this shows businesses are becoming more aware of this issue and seizing the opportunity to address it. 

Intelligence is critically important to the work of the GLA and we know those in the supply chain have information and knowledge that can help us. That’s what this protocol agreement is all about. 

We’ve worked with all parties involved – retailers and suppliers – to put this agreement in place. It will be a living document that will continue to evolve and will make a real contribution to reducing any exploitation in the supply chain. 

It sets out how the GLA will work with retailers, suppliers and other organisations not covered by the Gangmasters Licensing Act with the overall aim to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.

If you'd like more information about the protocol please email: supermarket-supplier-protocol@gla.gov.uk

Find out more...

The Supplier/Retailer Protocol: How the GLA, retailers and suppliers will work together
Supermarkets' and suppliers' Best practice guide: Information on how to comply with the legal requirements and GLA recommended best practice