Joint Operation in Northern Ireland

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority, supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, UK Border Agency and HMRC executed a search warrant on 08 December at business premises in Cullyhanna Road, Newtonhamilton, Northern Ireland in connection with suspected unlicensed GLA offences and other potential breaches of UK legislation. Enquiries are ongoing.

Notes to editors

1. The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) was set up to curb the exploitation of workers in the agricultural, horticultural, shellfish gathering and associated processing and packing industries.

2. Protecting workers is the key aim alongside protecting legitimate labour providers and protecting the tax payer by uncovering unpaid taxes.

3. The GLA regulate the supply of workers and labour services to any of the regulated sectors in the UK.

4. It is a criminal offence to provide labour in the industries regulated by the GLA without a licence. It is also an offence to use labour provided by unlicensed labour providers.

5. The GLA assess compliance against its Licensing Standards which reflects UK legislation, including Forced Labour Offence.

6. In December 2009 a new offence of forced labour was introduced in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland. It became an offence in Scotland in August 2010

7. The GLA issues additional guidance in its GLA Brief series, where it identifies new concerns over non-compliance.

8. Margaret McKinlay, Chairman of the GLA is available for interview.

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