The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) stepped up its hunt for illegal operators yesterday with the launch of an 18-month programme of targeted enforcement and unannounced raids.
Operation Ajax will see 20-30 surprise raids throughout the UK, homing in on where the GLA believes there to be abuse.
The latest push for enforcement will see major retailers sign a protocol aimed at cleaning up the entire supply chain, to facilitate more joint visits by GLA inspectors and retail auditors and double the number of inspections.
Jonathan Shaw MP launched the project at Defra headquarters in Westminster, alongside GLA chairman Paul Whitehouse, Trade Union Congress (TUC) deputy secretary Frances O’Grady and Sainsbury’s brand director Judith Batchelar.
Shaw urged retailers and trade unions to continue to work with the government to protect more workers in the industry.
He said: “The GLA has already achieved great results in the short time it has been in existence and, by launching Operation Ajax, the GLA is now determined to increase efforts to leave no stone unturned to find the law breakers and abusers…
“Some areas are like the wild west in terms of the way people have been treated and we are determined to root that out.”
Whitehouse insisted the project is a “long-term commitment” from the 55-strong team to “enforce worker rights and stamp out exploitation” wherever and whenever it is found.
He said: “We know certain areas of the country have high gangmaster activity and we know from our intelligence that certain enterprises, gangmasters and their associates deserve looking at closely.
“Based on this, we have put together Operation Ajax to route out the rogues and catch the crooks - in short - if you are abusing the system, if you are abusing your workers - watch out - we’re coming after you.”
The GLA has so far relied on intelligence from workers, labour providers and organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, as well as members of the public.
Batchelar claimed that retailers who work with GLA inspectors face a “steep learning curve” at inspections, but that collaboration was essential to tackle the problem across the supply chain.
She said: “It is important that we know how to measure ourselves against the standards, and that the information is absolutely transparent and clear.
“We will only crack this problem with collaborative, joined-up working, by knowing the framework and what ‘good’ looks like…
“We want to be seen as being fair and consistent. Unannounced audits strike fear into growers and suppliers because they fear the worst. It will not be easy, but we are all aware of the importance of the task.”
O’Grady added: “The advantage of working with retailers is that they can push down through the supply chain to make sure that every single layer knows that the one below should be following the rules.”
She also called for the “targeted and effective” approach of the GLA to be extended to other sectors, including construction, the care sector and hospitality.
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