Scottish Gangmaster Convicted

A Scottish gangmaster has been convicted for operating as a gangmaster without a licence on Wednesday 7th July 2010 at Peebles Sheriff Court.

Mr Dean Mitchell who ran Freelance Poultry in Hawick pled guilty to the charge and was fined £450. The business was found to be supplying workers to catch chickens in the Edinburgh area without a licence between 17th February 2009 and 26th June 2009.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority said:

“Mr Mitchell had misled the farmers into believing he was licensed, and knowingly broke the law when supplying workers without a licence. Operating without a licence can damage the whole supply chain and also means that the rights of the workers supplied cannot be checked by the GLA to ensure they are treated correctly.”

“Our approach of proactive intelligence led enforcement activity is proving very effective in dealing with those who break the rules and leaving the good labour providers to get on with their business.”

Notes to Editors

1. It is criminal offence under section 12 of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to act as a gangmaster without a licence.

2. The GLA operate a proactive intelligence led risk based approach to enforcement

3. The GLA’s overall effect ensures increased compliance, creating a level playing field for business and better working conditions for all workers in the regulated areas.

4. 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.

5. There have been eleven convictions for offences under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act, nine for operating without a licence, one for using an unlicensed gangmaster and one for obstructing a GLA officer.

6. Paul Whitehouse, GLA Chairman, is available for interview.

ENDS

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