Successful week of engagement for Op EMPACT

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), participated in Operation EMPACT, a week of action aimed at tackling labour exploitation within the agricultural industry. 

Led by Europol and the National Crime Agency (NCA), Operation EMPACT is a Europe-wide intensification week which took place from 7 to 13 October 2024, focussing on tackling labour exploitation and human trafficking. The UK was one of 17 countries that participated in the operation, and the GLAA co-ordinated visits across the country, educating licensed suppliers and workers on understanding their rights.

Modern Day slavery is defined as a person who is exploited by others for personal or commercial gain. A person can be exploited in many ways, such as being forced to work with little or no pay. The person can be trafficked, forced labour or debt bondage, and they’re controlled by force, threats, coercion, abduction, fraud, and deception.

According to the NCA, the rising cost of living and ongoing shortages in the labour sector leave workers vulnerable to exploitation and the GLAA work hard to stop the exploitation of workers and ensure they are treated fairly.

During the week, GLAA officers visited nearly 30 farms across the country, where they engaged with more than 60 people including workers, managers, and farm owners. Our officers also visited processing factories and a vineyard, to carry out compliance checks.

Licencing Manager Dave Stockdale, who led EMPACT for the GLAA this year said: “It was a successful week of action, and our officers were able to have discussions with a significant number of workers, informational leaflets were provided and engagement with the farm managers were undertaken.

“In Hertfordshire, we had officers visiting farms over two days where workers have been supplied under the Seasonal Worker Scheme, by a GLAA licensed supplier or directly employed, to ensure the business was operating to standard.

“The GLAA regulates part of the UK labour market by providing a licencing scheme to businesses in the horticulture industry. We are also responsible for combating labour exploitation, and we made sure to check for signs this was not the case.

“Thankfully, no concerns were identified. EMPACT is a key week of action for the GLAA as we work hard to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking, which is sadly an ongoing issue. 

“Our proactive approach allowed us to ensure that people working within the agricultural sector understand their rights, which is key to tackling labour exploitation.  

“Some people live in fear of the repercussions if they report they are not being treated fairly, but I’d like to remind people that we are here to help if you are not. 

“If you have concerns or know of a business operating outside the law or exploiting workers, you can call 0800 432 0804 or email us at contact@gla.gov.uk.