GLAA welcomes consultation around Good Work Plan

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) believes public consultation over new proposals to protect workers’ rights could add real value to the way the issue is tackled.

This week the Government announced its latest measures to advance the 'Good work plan', describing it as the largest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.

The proposals include creating a single enforcement agency – bringing the work and remit of the GLAA together with the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Team.

People have 12 weeks to respond to the plan which the Government believes will provide:

• a strong, recognisable single brand so individuals know where to go for help and how to raise a complaint
• better support for businesses who want to comply with the rules
• coordinated enforcement action, with new powers and sanctions to tackle the spectrum of non-compliance
• pooled intelligence and more flexible resourcing
• closer working with other enforcement partners

Margaret Beels, chair of the GLAA Board, said: “Our priority at the GLAA is the protection of vulnerable workers from exploitation and we welcome moves to make it easier for victims to access help and support.

“This ‘victim focus’ approach is already underpinned by strong and effective partnerships between the GLAA and our partners. We will go through the Government’s proposals carefully and respond fully.”

Michael Rich, the GLAA’s chief executive, added: “We believe the GLAA is well placed to adapt to any future service models around tackling labour exploitation and this consultation period could add real value to the debate around how we can enhance service provision to vulnerable workers.

“We are always interested to see how building on our current functions could enhance delivery of our mission and this provides a platform for others to contribute to questions such as whether more regulation would be an asset, would increased or wider powers of enforcement help, what further role could licensing play?”

You can read more about the Government’s proposals and how to take part in the consultation here.