The Employer Pays Principle Feasibility Study, within the Horticulture Value Chain

"The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome Any questions, requests to participate or tender submissions must be submitted electronically via this portal." The Employer Pays Principle Feasibility Study, within the Horticulture Value Chain.

Background to the specific work area relevant to this purchase Migrants using the Seasonal Worker visa route are at risk of exploitation as reported in the ICIBI report (e.g. para 3.45) and DLME's UK Labour Market Enforcement Strategy 2022-23 which notes agriculture is a 'high risk sector' for seasonal workers.

These risks include debt bondage from costs incurred whilst travelling to and working in the UK and costs incurred in migrants' home countries.

Adoption of the Employer Pays Principle (EPP) has been cited by various organisations such as the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and many retailers as potentially important to mitigating these risks.

IHRB defines the EPP as "No worker should pay for a job - the costs of recruitment should be borne not by the worker but by the employer." The definition of recruitment fees and related costs in this project will match those of the International Labour Org