Building a Wider
Horizon With Labour
A group of young men jump to attention as Vishnukanth Thapar nonchalantly sweeps past to open the front door of the Career Wings travel agency. Seconds after stepping into a shabby, ground-floor office he stops at a wooden shrine adorned with Hindu deities, bowing his head and joining his hands to pay obeisance before the day's work begins. There is a lot to be thankful for. The men are summoned, gathering around a large wooden desk as they provide verbal CVs and contact details. Today’s offering includes eight bricklayers, three metal workers, six HGV drivers and a dozen labourers. As he busily scribbles notes, a bell rings on Thapar's mobile, announcing the arrival of an email, which he flicks open with his finger. After reading it, he looks up to proclaim: "I need drivers and labourers. Who wants to go?" They all hold up their hands.
