The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) laid out its action plan for the next 12 months this week, pledging to thrash out a protocol with major retailers and reiterating that it will do whatever it takes to “catch the crooks”.

The strategy was put forward made by the GLA at the Association of Labour Providers (ALP) annual general meeting, on Wednesday.

Details of the first sustained and large-scale plan to root out those acting illegally, featuring an 18-month national compliance and enforcement operation, will be revealed on June 3.

GLA chief executive Ian Livsey told ALP members that the regulator would become “more intrusive and active in the sector” in the future.

He said: “The GLA is now in its third year and, like every three-year-old, we are beginning to grow some teeth.

“Seven out of 10 labour providers who came forward for a licence were required to improve, which shows why what we do is important and has confirmed that we are making an impact…

“We need to, and will, get smarter at tracking these people down. We know we have to catch them. We are planning now to do this; we may have to operate differently, innovatively; we may have to use different means and methods; but, however we do it, we are determined to catch them.”

The GLA had its first prosecution last month and there are more in the pipeline, while a reduction in exchequer fraud has saved the government an estimated £2 million in VAT.

The development of a plan of action with multiple retailers is set to expand the operation. The proposals will, amongst other things, require retailers to conduct a defined, minimum number of raids through the length of the supply chain, in tandem with the GLA.

Livsey described the move as “a big step forward” for the regulator. He said: “We have brought together all the major retailers into a forum to thrash out a protocol, which is more than words, but is a commitment to action. We are not there yet, but we are getting there.”

David Gregory, technical director for food at Marks & Spencer, said: “M&S sees the work of the GLA and the focus on the ALP as a very good thing that has made positive changes to the food supply chain.

“We look forward to developing a joint protocol for retailers with the GLA, and we would encourage them all to work to the same standards; not just the major multiples, but other food retailers, the foodservice sector and other suppliers.”

A review of licensing standards is already underway, before a consultation is carried out over the summer, in order to improve the effectiveness of the GLA, reduce costs and allow the body to continue to “punch above its weight”.

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