Scottish business is shut down by GLA

A gangmaster based in Scotland has had her business closed down by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA). Miss Ieva Osite who ran Renavatio Limited from premises in Turniff in Aberdeenshire, lost her licence because:

• she had not co-operated with the labour user to ensure that responsibility for managing the health and safety of workers had been agreed; the health and safety risks to which they were exposed at work where not properly controlled

• paperwork for a 48 hour work opt-out for employees was not in accordance with employment regulations

• deductions from the workers’ pay of income tax and National Insurance were not accurate, appropriate and paid to the HMRC

• contract irregularities Renevatio Limited did not appeal against the GLA decision

Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA, said:

“Gangmasters who set up business must apply by the laws which protect worker interests otherwise the GLA will revoke their licences, pure and simple. ”

Notes to editors

1. The Gangmasters Licensing Authority was set up in 2005 to curb the exploitation of workers in the agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and associated processing and packaging industries. It was set up following the death of 23 Chinese cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay.

2. There are around 1200 gangmasters licensed by the GLA 3. A gangmaster is an individual or business who:

• supplies labour to agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging

• uses labour to provide a service in the regulated sector, eg harvesting or gathering agricultural produce

• uses labour to gather shellfish.

To be granted a GLA licence all businesses must meet the GLA licensing standards and the principle authority of the business must meet ‘Fit and Proper’ person criteria. Cross government checks are made on all licence applications.

4. It has been an offence to supply labour to the GLA regulated sectors since 1 October 2006, with the maximum penalty being ten years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

5. All licences that are revoked have the right of appeal including licences revoked with immediate effect.

6. Copies of any appeal decisions can be obtained from the appeals secretariat Gangmasters Licensing Appeals, Defra, Electra Way, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6GJ Telephone: 01270 754231, E-mail: gangmasters.appeals@defra.gsi.gov.uk

7. To date, 61 licences have been revoked by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority.

8. Paul Whitehouse Chairman of the GLA, is available for interview.

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