Thanet Earth Marketing

Response to media coverage of allegations made by UNITE

Paul Whitehouse, GLA Chair, said:

“The GLA is able to confirm that a number of allegations in respect of workers being supplied by licensed labour providers to Thanet Earth Marketing in Kent have been received. The GLA is currently working with UNITE, Thanet Earth Marketing and the major retailers to ensure that these matters are thoroughly investigated. Action will be taken against any GLA licensed business where evidence of non compliance against the GLA Standards is found.”

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. Protecting workers is the key aim alongside protecting legitimate labour providers and protecting the tax payer by uncovering unpaid taxes.

3. The GLA regulate the supply of workers and labour services to any of the regulated sectors in the UK

4. It is a criminal offence to provide labour in the industries regulated by the GLA without a licence. It is also an offence to use labour provided by unlicensed labour providers.

5. Paul Whitehouse Chairman of the GLA is available for interview.

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