UN report praises GLAA's licensing scheme
15th June 2018
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has been praised by the United Nations (UN) in a report on trafficking and human rights.
A report by Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, highlighted the GLAA’s licensing scheme as an example of good practice in the enforcement of labour standards.
Her 20-page report will form part of the 38th Session of the Human Rights Council taking place in Geneva from 18 June until 6 July.
The GLAA regulates labour providers in the agriculture, horticulture and shellfish gathering sectors through the scheme.
In 2017, the GLAA was handed new police-style powers by the government, allowing the organisation to tackle abuse across the labour market, search and seize evidence, and investigate modern slavery in the workplace.
GLAA Interim Chief Executive Roger Bannister said: “It’s always positive to see that our organisation’s hard work and growing reputation is noticed by colleagues, both here in the UK and on the international stage by respected institutions such as the UN. Modern slavery and labour exploitation crosses borders and continents so we have to be equally flexible in tackling the issue.
“We have built very productive relationships with partners both in the UK, across Europe, and the rest of the world. Despite this, we are under no illusions - the fight against modern slavery and labour exploitation is far from over and our aim remains working in partnership to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.
“Our licensing regime is one of the key tools in this fight because, as the report notes, it is a proactive measure targeting labour providers in a number of important sectors.
“However, we acknowledge that our scheme is not perfect. Because of this, we are currently in the process of updating our Licensing Standards and we would really appreciate your feedback on the changes we are proposing.”
There are nine questions as part of the consultation which runs until Tuesday 3 July.
Fill in the consultation online here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/53G7Q5V
Alternatively, send your response by email to consultation@gla.gsi.gov.uk or by post to:
Licensing Standards Review
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
PO Box 10272, Nottingham, NG2 9PB.
Any changes to the Licensing Standards are expected to be implemented later this year, subject to approval from the GLAA Board.
Read the UN report in full here.