The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) regulates those who supply labour or use workers to provide services in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging. New Licensing Standards have now been issued by the GLA.
Morgan Rose offers a comprehensive service to the Gangmasters industry. We provide advice and assistance in all dealings with the GLA including assessing and advising on compliance with the Licensing Standards in advance of a GLA inspection for either:
A first application for a license, which will involve an "Application Inspection"; and/or
A "Compliance Inspection" for all existing license holders;
Appeals against a decision of the GLA: - to refuse an application for a license,
- to attach conditions to a license,
- to revoke a license, or
- to refuse the transfer of a license
The GLA has published new Licensing Standards in February 2009, which came into force on 6 April 2009.
The burden placed on gangmasters to maintain compliance with a variety of regulatory regimes is extremely challenging. The entire business may be at risk if there is not complete confidence about whether you meet all of the Licensing Standards. There have been numerous successful revocations of licenses recently by the GLA where the first time that non-compliances have been discovered are during inspections and it is too late.
Prevention is always better than cure. Morgan Rose is able to advise gangmasters as to their compliance with the Licensing Standards with a view to avoiding any non-compliances but especially Critical Non-Compliances. The GLA has the power to revoke licenses with immediate effect. The maximum penalty for trading as a gangmaster without a license is 10 years imprisonment.
We advocate not leaving things to chance. To be sure of compliance with the new Licensing Standards contact us to discuss ensuring your business is operating within the rules and is safe from having its license revoked.
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