GANGMASTERS & LABOUR ABUSE AUTHORITY
GLAA - 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.
www.labourproviders.org.uk
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.
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