Major Operation on suspected unlicenced gangmaster activity in Norfolk.

A 49 year old male who was arrested during a multi agency operation in the Thetford area on Monday has been interviewed by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) in relation to possible unlicensed gangmaster activities.

A joint operation co-ordinated by the Eastern Region Intelligence Unit and involving Norfolk Constabulary, UK Border Agency, Immigration Crime Team, UK Human Trafficking Centre, Gangmasters Licensing Authority, Inland Revenue and the Pay & Work Rights helpline staff has taken place in Thetford on Monday (20 Oct).

The operation followed a Gangmaster Licensing Authority investigation that was extended to include the additional support and expertise from a variety of agencies due to the potential and wide ranging issues involved. Enquiries are currently proceeding and may also involve businesses who used the workers.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA, said:

“The operation was a major success with superb cooperation between the agencies involved.”

Notes to editors

1. 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.

2. The majority of workers involved in these industries come from countries such as: Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Pakistan and Portugal.

3. So far, 1,195 labour providers hold a GLA licence. Over 100 licenses have been revoked (8 with immediate effect). Two people and one business has been prosecuted for operating without a licence, with more prosecutions forthcoming.

4. Anybody who is aware of exploitation should contact the GLA on 0845 602 5020 or report anonymously at www.gla.gov.uk/report

5. Anybody in any sector can report issues to the Pay and Worker Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368

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Public enquiries: 0845 602 5020

Media enquiries: 0115 900 8962

www.gla.gov.uk