A VALE gangmaster plans to introduce a code of practice for the industry which he hopes will wipe out illegal working on farms.

Zad Padda, head of operations at labour-provider Fusion Personnel and growing and packing company Vicarage Nurseries, in Bretforton, said Wychavon could be home to a pilot scheme which would encourage gangmasters to voluntarily register their business.

They would then have to follow legally binding guidance on aspects of their jobs like working hours and pay and conditions.

He said farmers and packers in the Vale would be encouraged to use labour provided only by registered gangmasters, and retailers would be encouraged to buy only from these farmers and packers.

"There will be ethically supplied labour in Worcestershire which will bring in commercial value when they compete with outside companies," he said.

He hopes the registration scheme, which could become statutory practice, will combat problems like non-payment of the minimum wage, tax evasion, poor health and safety and illegal immigrants, which currently blight the industry.

The code, which is due to be completed in November, aims to promote good practice and increase welfare in the industry.

A training centre, which can be used by small Worcestershire businesses as workers are trained doing the job, is also in the pipeline.

Mr Padda is setting an example by promoting a family atmosphere among his 300-strong workforce, who are based largely in Birmingham and are almost all British residents.

Julie Harris, former head of basic skills at Stratford College, teaches workers basic skills like reading and writing English and new minibuses bring workers to the sites to start work at 8am.

"We have our problems in the region but compared to other places we have a real chance to make a difference here. We are trying to effect change. This is something positive and it can be in Wychavon," he said.