A labour provider in north-west England has lost on appeal its application for a renewal of its licence to supply labour to the fresh produce sector.

CRB Recruitment, based in Southport, has submitted a new licence application to the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, but needs to demonstrate its original non-compliances have been rectified first.

The firm had supplied labour into the brassica and leek sector in the region and worked with fresh produce suppliers including Huntapac Produce. But it was found to be in major breach of five standards governing benefits paid, hours worked, health and safety including training, safe place of work and transport arrangements.

“CRB has taken steps to comply with the standards in some aspects. However, there are still actions to be taken to achieve full compliance,” the appeal decision found. The company must now stop trading in the GLA’s regulated sectors, or face prosecution for operating without a licence.

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