An independent report into the performance of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has praised the body’s stringent enforcement approach, stating that “industry appreciates tough regulation”.
The second report on the GLA’s work, conducted by the University of Sheffield and the University of Liverpool, enables the GLA to assess how successful it has been in protecting workers from exploitation, and to establish what further work needs to be done.
The researchers said: “Licensing has been an appropriate tool to regulate labour providers; agency workers are now better placed because of government regulation; [and] the GLA is an effective and efficient regulator.”
The fact that 79 per cent of surveyed gangmasters were in favour of licensing and 69 per cent felt that the GLA was doing a good job suggests that the authority is still receiving widespread acclaim.
The report revealed that only 18 per cent of respondents described their contact with the GLA as “burdensome” and, over the last 12 months, most gangmasters felt that the GLA had achieved a positive effect on reducing worker exploitation and business fraud. There has been a dramatic fall in licensed gangmasters needing to resolve conditions on their licences, from 400 to 68.
GLA chief executive Ian Livsey told freshinfo: “This report shows a lot of support for the GLA and shows that we are making a difference. It is a good platform to go forward and we are pleased the industry has recognised that [the food supply chain] has improved because of what we do and what they do. This work is not wholly down to the GLA - the whole food industry plays a part.”
However, with many changes in the economy and migration flows it will be a challenging year ahead, with the GLA facing a change in the circumstances in which it operates. A forceful approach to regulation is even more necessary in a recession, argues the government agency.
The third year of GLA activity, 2008-09, saw the body move from the initial phase of drawing as many gangmasters into the formal economy to the current phase of GLA activity, to protect the integrity of the licensing system through inspections and catching unlicensed illegal gangmasters.
Livsey said: “The GLA is moving to a stronger enforcement bias. We have licensed the legitimate gangmasters and will of course keep an eye on them - but now it is time to catch the crooks.”
The GLA is planning to launch a protocol in May signed with all the major retailers, in a bid to drive illegal gangmasters out of the food supply chain.
“The GLA will consult with retailers and their suppliers and it will be a real partnership approach - we are totally committed to stamping out the abuse in the food supply chain,” Livsey added.
No comments yet