Indonesian workers on farms supplying to UK supermarkets allegedly charged illegal fees by unlicensed foreign brokers; Indonesian taskforce to investigate
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In August 2022, The Guardian published an investigation revealing that Indonesian workers on farms supplying UK supermarkets were at risk of debt bondage, due to illegal fees charged by unlicensed brokers. The Indonesian brokers allegedly charged for flights and visas, but also substantial additional fees, leaving workers with debts of up to £5000 for a single season of work. Without the financial ability to leave work, the debt bondage faced can result in what is essentially forced labour.
The supermarkets being supplied by the farms, M&S, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, have released statements and are offering support in making sure financial remedy is paid to workers.
The workers were supplied by AG Recruitment, who, without previous experience in Indonesia, sought guidance from Jakarta-based Al Zubara Manpower, who turned to brokers on other islands. AG has denied any knowledge of the illegal fees and has launched their own investigation into the allegations.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) is leading an ongoing investigation into the allegation, and an Indonesian presidential taskforce has now launched an investigation into the recruitment of the workers.
In early 2023, AG Recruitment lost its license as a sponsor of workers on a seasonal worker visa.