GLA set to host landmark UK conference

The GLA is to host its first major conference – providing licence holders and other valued partners with expert guidance while allowing them to shape the way their industry is regulated.

The full-day event will be held at Derby County FC's iPro Stadium on 2 March 2015 with invitations to attend extended to all labour providers, labour users, retailers and other key stakeholders.

GLA Chief Executive Paul Broadbent said:

“I would urge anyone connected with the GLA regulated sector to grasp this unique opportunity.

“With the Modern Slavery Bill progressing through Parliament and a review of the GLA’s licensing standards about to start, we feel the time is right to get together to discuss the big issues that face our industry.

“This conference will give licence holders a unique opportunity to hear about the potential pitfalls that may affect their business, discuss how to manage those risks more effectively and put forward views on how we might better regulate our sector.

“Views provided to us at the conference will help shape the new licensing standards that are to be reviewed and amended shortly, as well as shape the GLA’s strategy for the next three years.”

Delegates will hear addresses from an impressive list of speakers including Modern Slavery Minister Karen Bradley MP and the new UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland. Mr Broadbent and the GLA’s Chair Margaret Beels will also address and take questions from attendees, as will an overseas expert in labour exploitation from another European regulator.

There will also be a chance to hear from Marshall Evans, who has been a major influence in developing Staffline into the largest operator in the GLA sector. The event will be held in the Toyota Suite at the iPro Stadium - a central location in the UK with ample free car parking. It is only 10 minutes’ walk from the main Derby railway station and 20 minutes’ drive from East Midlands Airport.

Registration will start at 9.30am with the programme concluding at 4pm. Places are available at £75 per person, which will include refreshments and a buffet lunch. The ticket price has been set on a cost-recovery basis only and spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

If you have any questions please email conference@gla.gsi.gov.uk or call 0115 959 7077

To book click here www.regonline.com/glaconference2015 ENDS Press release issued by GLA Communications and Information Officer Paul Fearn.

For more information from the GLA contact 0115 959 7069 or email communications@gla.gsi.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

1. The GLA operates throughout the UK and is a Non-Departmental Public Body.

2. The authority was formed in 2005 in the wake of the Morecambe Bay cockle picking disaster when 23 Chinese workers drowned on the sands.

3. The GLA licences companies that supply labour (gangmasters) for agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering as well as all associated processing and packaging.

4. Its main strategic priorities are to prevent worker exploitation, protect vulnerable people and tackle unlicensed and criminal activity.

5. Under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act (2004), it is illegal both to operate as, or employ the services of, an unlicensed gangmaster.

www.gla.gov.uk