Norfolk gangmaster stripped of licence

A gangmaster who supplied Lithuanian nationals to catch turkeys has had his ‘wings clipped’ by the GLA after attempting to avoid GLA inspections. Darius Binderis, of Kings Lynn, has now been declared ‘not a fit and proper’ person to hold a GLA licence and must cease trading immediately or face prosecution.

Despite numerous attempts to contact Mr Binderis at his office and by phone, no inspection could be carried out. As he could not demonstrate to the GLA that he was meting basic legal requirements the GLA had no choice but to revoke the licence.

Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA, said:

“We shall continue to protect the rights of workers and ensure that all gangmaster businesses meet basic legal requirements. You cannot hide from us, you cannot avoid us. We are determined to clean up this industry and we will route out the rogues in Norfolk and beyond”.

Mr Binderis is the first gangmaster from Kings Lynn to have his licence revoked by the GLA. Currently 38 gangmasters are licensed in Norfolk, with 10 licensed in Kings Lynn.

Notes to editors

1. The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) was set up in 2005 to curb the exploitation of workers in the agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and associated processing and packaging industries.

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

3. So far, the GLA has licensed 1,196 labour providers. Seventy three licences have been revoked (7 with immediate effect). One person has been prosecuted for operating without a licence, with more prosecutions forthcoming.

4. The GLA stepped up its fight against those who abuse workers with the launch of Operation Ajax in June. The operation was set up to increase the GLA’s activities with an 18-month programme of unannounced raids.

5. Paul Whitehouse, GLA Chairman, is available for interview by contacting 0115 900 8962.

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

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Public enquiries: 0845 602 5020

Media enquiries: 0115 900 8962

www.gla.gov.uk