Statement: Thanet Earth and Unite

The GLA is aware of recent press statements by Thanet Earth Marketing and Unite.

In examining the allegations raised by Unite three labour providers were inspected and in two cases no issues were identified. In a third, issues of non-compliance were identified, were raised with that company, and which the GLA is currently satisfied have been addressed in accordance with the GLA Licensing Standards.

Where the GLA identifies issues of non-compliance it either revokes the licence or places additional conditions on a licence. In this case no revocations were necessary but additional conditions were issued in one case until evidence of compliance was received. On the basis of the response received the GLA can confirm that the respective company has now been re-issued with a full GLA licence without conditions.

The GLA wish to state that the UNITE reference to agencies “failing to pay wages” is in fact incorrect. The GLA investigated concerns relating to holiday pay relating to one agency only, and this matter has now been resolved satisfactorily.

In addition the GLA did not criticise Thanet Earth Marketing for its approach to complaints made and investigated. The GLA provided advice and guidance to assist Thanet Earth Marketing in ensuring that such matters do not occur in the future.

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

3. The GLA assess compliance against its Licensing Standards which reflects UK legislation.

4. No one is available for interview.

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