Gangmasters' Licensing Authority
The Gangmasters' Licensing Act of 2004 made provision for the licensing of activities involving the supply or use of workers in connection with agricultural work, the gathering of wild creatures and wild plants, the harvesting of fish from fish farms and certain processing and packaging and for connected purposes.
The licensing of these activities is carried out with the Gangmasters' Licensing Authority. The Gangmasters' Act 2004 and the regulations affect those who supply workers to the aforementioned industries. The Gangmasters' Licensing Authority has wide and far-reaching powers.
If a business which requires a licence operates without a licence, then the principals of that business, as well as the company commit an offence. The company officers may receive a high value fine or even face a sentence of imprisonment.
If a company, having gone through the rigorous and expensive process of applying for a licence and is granted a licence, officers of the Gangmasters' Licensing Authority have extensive powers to inspect businesses and to demand production of documentation and other evidence. Failure to comply may result in the revocation of the licence which would effectively stop the business from trading within this regulated industry.
Our specialist team is able to advise businesses on the process for applying for a licence. As well as assisting in completing the licence, we will ensure that you have all the proper systems of work in place, including the necessary health & safety policies, time recording systems and all employment policies and systems.
We are also able to advise on any dealings with the Gangmasters' Licensing Authority.
In the event that you have received a Notice of Revocation of your licence, it is important that you act very quickly as the Gangmasters' (Appeals) Regulations 2006 allow only 20 days within which an appeal can be submitted.
If you require any advice, please do not hesitate to contact Deborah Britstone on 07702 206758 or Daniel Berke on 07763 130100 (24 hours, 7 days a week).