Cleckheaton Gangmaster Convicted

A West Yorkshire gangmaster business has been convicted for operating as a gangmaster without a licence on Thursday 20 May 2010 at Bradford Magistrates Court.

Major Industrial Recruitment based in Cleckheaton pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined £3,500 with £3,500 in costs awarded.

The business was found to be supplying workers to pack fruit in the Yorkshire area without a licence between 5th January 2009 and 15 th March 2009.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority said:

“The GLA has now had 10 successful prosecutions with seven coming in the last six months, the GLA enforcement strategy is bearing fruit and we are catching those operating without a licence on a regular basis”

“Our approach of proactive intelligence led enforcement activity is proving very effective in dealing with those who break the rules and leaving the good labour providers to get on with their business.”

Notes to Editors

1. It is criminal offence under section 12 of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to act as a gangmaster without a licence.

2. The GLA had two successful prosecutions in December 2009 and 5 so far in 2010

3. The GLA operate a proactive intelligence led risk based approach to enforcement

4. The GLA’s overall effect ensures increased compliance, creating a level playing field for business and better working conditions for all workers in the regulated areas.

5. The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) was set up to curb the exploitation of workers in the agricultural, horticultural, shellfish gathering and associated processing and packing industries.

6. There have been ten convictions for offences under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act, eight for operating without a licence, one for using an unlicensed gangmaster and one for obstructing a GLA officer.

7. Paul Whitehouse, GLA Chairman, is available for interview.

ENDS

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www.gla.gov.uk