The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority





The Gangmasters Labour and Abuse Authority (GLAA) (previously the Gangmasters Licensing Authority) was set up in 2005 following the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster in which at least 21 Chinese undocumented migrant labourers tragically drowned.
Originally part of DEFRA, the GLAA is now a division of the Home Office, under the supervision of the Director of Labour Enforcement (DLE). It began life as a licensing and inspection body limited to specific sectors. However, since May 2017, the GLAA has had powers to investigate labour abuse allegations across the entire UK labour market. GLAA Labour Abuse Prevention Officers can investigate labour market offences, including slavery, with powers to arrest suspects, enter premises, carry out searches and seize evidence.


The GLAA’s licensing and inspection regime remains limited to the following sectors: agriculture; horticulture; shellfish gathering; and
associated processing and packaging. The government plans to add nail bars and car wash facilities to the list of sectors subject to the licensing regime. The Labour Market Enforcement Strategy 2018-19 identified these as two of 17 sectors (including construction and recycling) in which workers are at the greatest risk of exploitation. 


Trade unions strongly support extending the licensing system and oppose its watering down, or the introduction of any sort of voluntary certification system.


A searchable public register of licensed operators is available on the GLAA website where there is also information about the GLAA’s powers and activities: www.gla.gov.uk.