Gangmasters fined after illegally supplying workers to factory

Two men who acted as unlicensed gangmasters for an eight-month period have been fined following an investigation by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

John Day and Mark Baker illegally supplied 18 workers to a food processing factory in Bedfordshire from late June 2016 until the start of March 2017.

The GLAA prosecuted the pair after investigations into Le Puy and Pinnacle Staffing Ltd, agencies run by Day.

Both companies went into insolvency during the investigation.

Day and Baker were both sentenced at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 19 March after previously pleading guilty to acting as unlicensed gangmasters at a hearing in December 2019.

Day, 54, of Whittington Chase, Kingsmead, was fined £700, plus a victim surcharge of £70 and costs of £85.

Baker, 42, of Nevill Close, Hanslope, received a fine of £240. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £32.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Jennifer Baines said: “Acting as an unlicensed gangmaster is a serious offence which can potentially leave some of the most vulnerable workers in society at risk of exploitation.

“I’m pleased that both Day and Baker recognised their wrongdoing and admitted the offences in court. We will continue to uphold our licensing regime and ensure that work in our GLAA sectors is fully regulated.”

Acting as a gangmaster without a GLAA licence is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Licence holders and applicants can also have their licences revoked or refused if GLAA inspectors discover that its regulations are not being followed.