Which activities need a licence?

Our licensing scheme regulates businesses who provide workers to the fresh produce supply chain. This also includes non-edible crops such as bulbs, flowers and other plants.

The scheme ensures that businesses who supply workers (labour providers, gangmasters or agencies) and businesses who need workers (labour users, farmers, packhouses, factories) meet the employment standards that are required by law.

Which sectors are covered by the scheme?

A range of sectors within the fresh produce supply chain are regulated by licensing: 

• processing and packaging of all fresh food, drinks and other produce 
• agriculture
• horticulture
• shellfish gathering

Anyone who supplies labour to these sectors will require a GLAA licence. 

The scheme also covers anyone who uses labour to provide a service in the regulated sectors, for example harvesting or gathering shellfish. 

If you have any doubts about whether you need a licence please check the 'Guidance on who needs a licence' document.

Businesses based overseas

A licence is needed for any work carried out in the UK, even if the business is located overseas. All workers, temporary or permanent are covered by the licensing scheme. Read our What if my business is not based in the UK? page for more information on supplying workers if your business is overseas.

Exemptions from the scheme

There are some circumstances where a licence is not required. These exclusions apply to specific situations. Read the Exclusions page for more details on the work that does not require a licence.

If you are unsure whether you need a licence, please contact us for guidance. It is a criminal offence to operate without a licence. For more information read our pages on offences and penalties.

Find out more...

The licensing standards: The conditions that must be met to qualify for a licence
The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004: Legislation