Waitrose is taking steps to protect the rights of migrant workers entering the UK fishing industry by releasing a series of new educational videos.
Featuring fishermen from countries including India, Latvia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Ghana, the clips share workers’ real experiences, and highlight legal rights and practical advice for those wishing to join the UK fishing industry.
According to the upmarket retailer, the videos explain their rights in ensuring adequate rest, entitlements to pay for all hours worked, safety training and the provision of free personal protective equipment – with the aim of improving welfare standards across the industry.
All clips have been translated into nine languages and feature interviews with real fishers.
They also cover practical advice, like making sure fishers pack warm clothing when heading to the UK, or how getting international phone credit makes it easier to stay in touch with loved ones abroad.
The four videos were created after Waitrose commissioned an independent human rights consultancy, Impactt, to speak to ‘off-duty’ crew at two major Scottish ports.
Globally, the fishing industry has been linked to poor working practices and human rights violations. As a result, Waitrose has recognised the sector as a high risk area for poor working conditions.
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A senior human rights programme manager for Waitrose Sam Ludlow-Taylor said: “The UK fishing industry relies on international workers, but too many join the sector without fully understanding their rights or what to expect.
“While we’ve long championed sustainable fishing, we know there’s more to do in our supply chain, and particularly across the wider sector. That’s why we’re making the videos public, to help drive real change across the industry.”
Impact Director at The Seafarers’ Charity, Tina Barnes, commented: “There’s lots to celebrate about the UK fishing sector; it can provide comfortable salaries – significantly higher than migrant workers may earn in their home countries.
“Likewise, as this research shows, crews can forge incredible bonds. Of course, there’s still work to do and these videos will make a tangible difference to the lives of fishermen – both from the UK and abroad.”
Earlier this month, Waitrose staff working on the shop floor faced a risk of losing their jobs if they don’t accept more flexible hours, as the retailer looks to keep costs down amid the cost-of-living crisis.
