The Resource Centre invited Waitrose to respond to the source article and to:

• Confirm whether Waitrose sources from Castleton; if not, when did you cease sourcing?
• Disclose any human rights due diligence Waitrose undertakes prior to entering into contracts with suppliers and when monitoring working conditions at suppliers;
• Disclose the steps taken to investigate the abuse reported; and,
• Disclose the steps taken to remedy workers for the unsuitable living conditions reported.

We were very concerned to read about the conditions described to us by ITV as worker welfare is absolutely vital to us, and we support investigations into these allegations.

We are also working closely with our supplier to investigate this as a matter of urgency.

While the government sets the visa scheme and accommodation rates, we continue to work with others on the Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) Taskforce to improve the experience for seasonal workers.