Basic failures lead to new Lincolnshire Revocation

28th April 2010

The GLA have revoked the licence of a Boston gangmaster after finding an astonishing lack of paperwork and a lack of basic knowledge of how to run the business. To be granted a GLA licence all businesses must meet the GLA licensing Standards and the gangmaster must meet “fit and proper” person criteria.

Mr Shane Amos the Director of YF Recruitment failed the Principal Authority competence test and was declared “not fit and proper” to hold a licence due to:

 Not displaying any ability to run a business

 A lack of paperwork

 No draft contracts for workers

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA said

“A GLA licence is not a token, it has to be earnt. Anybody who is this position of responsibility needs to be in a position to meet the basic requirements as an absolute minimum.”

Notes to editors

1. 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.

2. The inspection took place in October 2009 and the letter of revocation was issued in December 2009

3. YF Recruitment lost their appeal against the GLA decision.

4. So far, 1,168 labour providers hold a GLA licence. Over 100 licenses have been revoked (10 with immediate effect).

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 report anonymously at www.gla.gov.uk/report

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