Spalding gangmaster fails to deceive

A Lincolnshire gangmaster has had his licence revoked after attempts to deceive the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) were uncovered. Mr Malcolm Plant had attempted to set up a new company in Spalding to be run by Mrs Victoria French in order to escape responsibilities and creditors for his business Maximum Recruitment Agency which had recently suffered fire damage that destroyed company records.

On inspection the GLA realised that the new application under a different name was a charade and that Mr Plant would be running the new business. The decision was then made to refuse the new licence application and revoke the licence of Maximum Recruitment Agency on the grounds that Mr Plant was not fit and proper to hold a licence.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA, said:

“Gangmasters need to be aware that the GLA will not fall for cynical tricks and will take swift action against any gangmaster who tries to deceive us.”

“If a gangmaster is prepared to lie about who will be running a business we have to question their fitness to hold a licence.”

Maximum Recruitment Agency is the fourth gangmaster business to lose their licence in Spalding. 20 licences are currently held by Spalding gangmasters

Notes to editors

1. The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) was set up in 2005 to curb the exploitation of workers in the agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and associated processing and packaging industries.

2. The majority of workers involved in these industries come from countries such as: Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, India, Pakistan and Portugal.

3. So far, the GLA has licensed approximately 1,196 labour providers. Seventy three licences have been revoked (7 with immediate effect). One person has been prosecuted for operating without a licence, with more prosecutions forthcoming.

4. The GLA stepped up its fight against those who abuse workers with the launch of Operation Ajax in June. The operation was set up to increase the GLA’s activities with an 18-month programme of unannounced raids.

5. Paul Whitehouse, GLA Chairman, is available for interview by contacting 0115 900 8962. 6. Anybody who is aware of exploitation should contact the GLA on 0845 602 5020 or at www.gla.gov.uk/report.

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Public enquiries: 0845 602 5020

Media enquiries: 0115 900 8962

www.gla.gov.uk