GLAA Brief 90 - Introducing the Fair Work Agency - February 2026

From April 2026, the GLAA will become part of the new Fair Work Agency.  This Brief explains more about the new organisation.

A pdf version of this Brief can be found via the link below

GLAA Brief 90 - Introducing the Fair Work Agency

Introduction

The Fair Work Agency (FWA) will launch on 7th April, bringing together the GLAA, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) and the Office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement (ODLME). The new organisation will protect employment rights for all workers in the UK; provide help and support to businesses on how to comply with the law; and clamp down on labour exploitation by taking action against those who operate illegally. 

The benefits of the new agency

Bringing together the government bodies responsible for protecting employment rights will create a more effective organisation and a single point of contact for advice and help. 

The Fair Work Agency will ensure that both workers and businesses will have a better understanding of employment rights and the opportunity to report issues or request guidance. It will also have greater enforcement powers, preventing those who operate outside of the law undercutting and profiting from legitimate businesses. 

Business as usual

Whilst there will be some changes in April, the work the GLAA has always done will continue – anyone operating as a gangmaster in the regulated sectors will still need a licence, it will just be issued by the Fair Work Agency.

The GLAA’s enforcement powers and functions will continue under the FWA. The same specialist expertise, intelligence, and operational focus will be retained.

You’ll see a new name and a new look to our communications and website, but your licence and the licensing standards will remain the same.

What do I need to do?

You don’t need to do anything, your licence will automatically transfer to the FWA when it launches in April. We’ll be in touch before then to let you know our new contact details.

Further information

If you have any further queries, please contact the GLAA helpline on 0345 602 5020 or email contact@gla.gov.uk.