George meets local growers

26.03.2010  Andrew George MP has met with local growers to discuss their concerns about the financial impact regulations are having upon seasonal workers.

Mr George met with Mike Mann, Director of Winchester Growers, at Varfell Farm in Penzance yesterday afternoon (Thursday 25th March) where they discussed regulations which create additional costs for low paid seasonal workers.

Current guidelines mean that employers are perversely prohibited from offering lower cost heating and other services to the workers they employ. This is adding to the difficulties low waged seasonal workers face. Winchester Growers are asking Mr George to take up these concerns.

He will seek the support of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, the Low Pay Commission and Government Ministers.

Mr George also briefed Mr Mann on his efforts to establish a Supermarket Ombudsman to police unfair abuses of market power by the big supermarket chains. Winchester Growers is a supplier of three major supermarkets.

Mr George is the Chairman of the national campaign body, the Grocery Market Action Group, which has been leading calls for the creation of an Ombudsman. Mr George has been at the forefront of the campaign for over 10 years.

After presenting evidence of adverse practices and unfair dealing to the Competition Commission during its two year inquiry which reported in 2008, Mr George has secured strong cross-party support for the proposed Ombudsman. Farmers and growers are delighted with the news. The campaign is now on the brink of success.