Complaints received related to the Seasonal Worker Scheme
Freedom of Information Act request.
Ref: FOI 25-26 25
Date issued: 5 September 2025
Subject: Complaints received related to the Seasonal Worker Scheme
Question:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following information relating to the UK Seasonal Worker Visa scheme:
1) The total number of complaints received by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority from individuals on the Seasonal Worker Visa scheme, for each year from 2019 to 2024.
2) If available, please provide a breakdown of complaints by category (e.g., pay, working conditions, welfare) and outcomes.
3) Any reports or summaries that detail investigations or enforcement actions involving Seasonal Worker Visa holders related to complaints.
Our response:
1) Please find below the complaints received by individuals on the Seasonal Visa Scheme broken down by year for the period requested.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2019 |
0 |
|
2020 |
2 |
|
2021 |
22 |
|
2022 |
8 |
|
2023 |
9 |
|
2024 |
5 |
2
2) Please find below the complaints broken down by category. Complaints may be related to multiple issues and some are aligned to our licensing standards. For further clarification our Licensing Standards can be found here: www.gla.gov.uk/i-am-a/i-supply-workers/do-i-need-a-glaa-licence/licensing-standards/licensing-standards-booklet
|
Licensing Standard (L.S) allegation |
Total |
|
7.3 – Contractual arrangements and records |
17 |
|
1.1 – Fit and proper |
8 |
|
3.3 – Withholding wages |
7 |
|
3.1 – Physical and mental mistreatment |
7 |
|
2.2 – Paying wages |
6 |
|
6.3 – Safety at work |
6 |
|
7.1 – Fees and providing additional services |
6 |
|
4.1 – Quality of accommodation |
6 |
|
5.6 – Disciplinary and grievance procedures |
5 |
|
2.5 – Holiday pay |
5 |
|
5.2 – Working hours |
4 |
|
4.3 – Accommodation |
2 |
|
5.1 – Rest periods, breaks and annual leave |
2 |
|
5.7 – Discrimination |
2 |
|
2.1 – PAYE, NI and VAT |
2 |
|
2.4 – Payslips |
2 |
|
Other – Immigration |
2 |
|
7.2 – Right to work |
1 |
|
National Minimum Wage – Non-GLAA |
1 |
|
Modern slavery |
1 |
Please find below a breakdown of complaints by outcome.
|
Action Type / Outcome |
Total |
|
Progressed to GLAA Investigation |
14 |
|
Closed Pending further Information / Intelligence |
10 |
|
No Further Action This can be for many reasons including insufficient information to progress or outside GLAA powers. |
9 |
|
Linked to Existing Case |
9 |
|
Intelligence Only |
2 |
|
Progressed to Tier 1 |
4 |
|
Informal Resolution |
4 |
|
General Advice |
2 |
|
Referral to External Partner |
2 |
3) Please find below a summary of inspections or investigations involving Seasonal Worker Visa holders related to complaints
|
Investigation Outcome / Status |
Total |
|
Compliance – Issue Resolved - Outstanding Payment made |
3 |
|
Compliance – Issue Resolved - No monetary issues |
3 |
|
Enforcement – Action Taken Insufficient Evidence |
3 |
|
Enforcement (E8) – No Offences Disclosed |
3 |
|
Ongoing |
2 |
|
Compliance – Tasking progressed but no report required |
2 |
|
Compliance – No issues Identified |
2 |
|
Compliance – Progressed to Compliance inspection |
1 |
|
Compliance – Intelligence Only |
1 |
|
Compliance – No GLAA Value |
1 |
|
Compliance – Application Withdrawn |
1 |
|
Compliance – Minor Standards Breach rectified by Inspector |
1 |