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Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority – Advice to the Industry
The following section has been provided by Paul Coffey, Head of Communications and Engagement, at the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) is the foremost investigative agency for tackling labour exploitation in the workplace. It can investigate all aspects of labour exploitation: from failure to pay the workers the National Minimum Wage up to, and including, Modern Slavery offences such as forced labour. The GLAA is determined to protect workers who are preyed upon by unscrupulous bosses and in many cases, endure archaic and poor working conditions. Sadly, exploitation comes in many different forms, across many different labour sectors. That’s why the GLAA has teams of investigating officers with powers of arrest and the capability to seize evidence and search premises. These officers have helped the GLAA bring prosecutions and secure convictions against individuals responsible for exploiting workers. Just as importantly, the GLAA also runs a licensing scheme for the supply of temporary workers into the UK fresh produce sector – more than 1,000 licences are managed across this regulated sector. These licences are designed at ensuring labour providers comply with legislation that was brought in after 23 Chinese cockle pickers died on the sands of Morecambe Bay in 2004.
If you are an employment agency, labour provider or gangmaster who provides workers to the sectors listed below, you will need a GLAA licence:
n Agriculture
n Horticulture
n Shellfish gathering
n Any associated processing and packaging
Remember, it is a criminal offence to supply workers without a licence or use an unlicensed labour provider in these employment sectors. The benefits of licensing are that: Workers receive fair treatment, the pay, benefits and conditions they are entitled to. Labour providers are not undercut by those who pay less than the minimum wage or avoid tax. Industry standards are raised. Labour users can check their workers come from a legitimate provider and are informed if their labour provider’s licence is revoked. Consumers can be assured that their food has been picked and packed in an ethical environment. Illegal activities which lead to a loss of public revenue – income tax, VAT and NI – are reduced.
The GLAA’s enforcement and regulation capabilities are also underpinned by a focus on Prevention. The agency believes it can help prevent workers from being exploited by raising awareness of employment rights, educating the public on how to spot signs of labour abuse and by working closely with businesses.
The GLAA works closely with other enforcement bodies - HMRC National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (NMW/ NLW) and Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) – as well as the Police, National Crime Agency and Border Force.
If you know of a business operating outside the law, exploiting workers, gaining an unfair or illegal advantage, or you have any information, then you can call 0845 602 5020 and speak to the GLAA intelligence team. Alternatively, call the GLAA’s free reporting line on 0800 432 0804. Any call to the GLAA can be dealt with in strict confidence if you prefer not to leave your name. It’s also possible to report issues by emailing intelligence@gla. gov.uk, completing our online form or by calling the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
Unlicensed labour supply is a serious offence and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. That’s because for the victims, the effects of being subjected to severe abuse through forced labour, for example, can be devastating.
