Gangmasters Licensing Authority

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The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) is a government body with wider powers to protect workers from exploitation in particular sectors.

It runs a licensing scheme which regulates businesses which provide workers to the fresh produce supply chain and horticulture industry, to make sure they meet the employment standards required by law.

Any employment agency, labour provider or gangmaster (anyone supplying a worker to work for another person) that provides workers in the sectors listed below requires a GLA licence:

• agriculture;

• horticulture;

• shellfish gathering; and

• any associated processing and packaging

Labour providers are assessed to check they meet the GLA licensing standards which cover health and safety, accommodation, pay, transport and training. The GLA checks that they are fit to hold a licence and that tax, National Insurance and VAT regulations are met (www.gla.gov.uk).