GLAA arrests gangmaster suspect in East Yorkshire

A man has been questioned on suspicion of acting as an unlicensed gangmaster in East Yorkshire.

The 61-year-old British national was arrested by investigators from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) at an address in Hutton Cranswick, near Driffield, on the morning of Thursday September 21.

He has since been released on conditional bail until December 11 with restrictions to not act as an unlicensed gangmaster and to pay workers at least the National Minimum Wage.

GLAA officers conducted the investigation with the support of Humberside Police after receiving information indicating the unlicensed supply of workers in the agricultural sector.

Searches of the address and other evidence-gathering was carried out by the GLAA throughout the morning.

GLAA Investigating Officer Lee Dalton-Gooding said: “Supplying workers into the agricultural sector without a GLAA licence is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

“The GLAA licensing scheme exists to create a level playing field for businesses operating in the fresh produce sector. We will not hesitate to use our powers to stop unregulated gangmasters from exploiting workers across the agricultural sector, but also in horticulture, food production, and shellfish gathering.

“We rely on your information so please let us know about any worker exploitation, labour providers operating without a licence or a business using an unlicensed gangmaster.”

To report concerns to the GLAA, email intelligence@gla.gov.uk or use the online reporting form.