A major two-part operation to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation and root out rogue gangmasters took place last week across Lincolnshire and Lancashire.

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority deployed 15 officers in total for four days across the two counties.

During the first phase, the gangmasters fared well when compared to recent operations elsewhere in the UK. In 16 surprise inspections, the gangmasters involved were able to demonstrate that GLA requirements were being met.

The second phase of the operation involved four field visits at different locations across Lincolnshire, where results were more mixed. There were some encouraging results, but in some instances the GLA found that gangmasters were still operating using totally unacceptable practices.

Allegations included:

• Workers left without supervision and transport in a field at 6am to pick produce until they were collected at 4pm

• Workers paid well below minimum wage

• No holiday pay or sick pay

• No contracts spelling out terms and conditions

• An untaxed van, with planks of wood and a mattress in the back used to transport workers.

Investigations into the above allegations are continuing.

Mark Simmonds, MP for Boston and Skegness, said: “This is good news for legitimate labour providers who continue to operate within the law. The latest raids are a direct function of the legislation that myself and other members of parliament worked so hard to see passed through the House of Commons. However, the GLA, legitimate labour providers and workers need to be continually vigilant to ensure rogue operators are removed from the marketplace.”

GLA chairman Paul Whitehouse said: “Lincolnshire has had its problems with rogue gangmasters in the past, but the good gangmasters and the businesses that use them have shown that if we all work together we can not only protect the workers, we can also stop those who make profits illegally at the expense of their competitors.”

“Lancashire has experienced probably the most shocking case of gangmaster abuse at Morecambe Bay, but the good gangmasters and the businesses that use them have shown that if we all work together we can not only protect the workers, we can also stop those who make profits illegally at the expense of their competitors.”

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