Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has initiated a procurement process titled "The Employer Pays Principle Feasibility Study, within the Horticulture Value Chain." This project falls under the industry category of Research and Development Consultancy Services and is based in the UK. The procurement is currently in the planning and tender stages, with the tender period ending on 25 October 2024. Key dates include the award period starting on 6 November 2024 and the contract period running from 18 November 2024 to 30 April 2025. This competitive procedure with negotiation seeks to address exploitation risks faced by migrants using the Seasonal Worker visa route by investigating the feasibility of adopting the Employer Pays Principle (EPP) in the horticulture sector.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for consultancy firms specialising in research and development, particularly those with expertise in labour market studies, agriculture, and ethical employment practices. Companies with a robust track record in delivering comprehensive feasibility studies and mitigating employment risks would be well-suited to compete. The procurement method aims to identify economically advantageous tenders, making it an attractive opportunity for businesses capable of offering high-quality technical solutions at competitive costs. The project seeks innovative approaches to enforce the EPP, thus contributing to improved labour practices and potentially setting new industry standards.

Planning, Tender

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

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (DEFRA NETWORK ETENDERING PORTAL

Contract Timeline

Publication Date

27th September 2024 16:46:00 PM

Planning, Tender Deadline

25th October 2024 11:00:00 AM 26 days remaining
Contract Summary

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 Organization’s (ILO) definition, i.e. “any fees or costs incurred in the recruitment process in order for workers to secure employment or placement, regardless
Contract Details

Open Contracting ID

ocds-h6vhtk-04a3d7

Publication Source

Find a Tender Service

Procurement Stage

Planning, Tender

Procurement Method

Selective

Procurement Method Details

Competitive Procedure With Negotiation

Procurement Category

Services

Tender Suitability

Framework / DPS
Contract Classification

CPV Code(s)

73200000

CPV Division(s)

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Awarding Authority

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (DEFRA NETWORK ETENDERING PORTAL

Buyer Name

Defra

Buyer Email

dgcenquiries@defra.gov.uk

Buyer Phone

+44 3459335577

Buyer Address

Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street

London

SW1P 4DF

United Kingdom

View contract on Find a Tender Service

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

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (DEFRA NETWORK ETENDERING PORTAL

Contract Timeline

Contract Summary

Contract Details

Contract Classification

Awarding Authority