Licence fees frozen

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority is pleased to announce that there will be no increase in licence fees for the year to 31 March 2011.

For the current 1,185 licence holders they will only need to pay the renewal fee, and for those with a turnover of less than £1 million this will only cost £400.

Anybody who is applying for a licence for the first time will have to pay the inspection fee and application fee.

The GLA has again reduced its net operating costs and is delighted to reflect these efficiencies in their level of fees.

Application, renewal and inspection fees until 31 March 2011

Ray Dawson, Chief Operating Officer of the GLA said:

“We have taken cognisance of the tough economic conditions currently facing our licence holders and we are delighted to announce the freezing of fees for 2010/11.

“This is the fourth year running we have managed to keep the Band D costs unchanged at £400. As Band D clients represent over 75% of licence holders this keeps the regulatory burden on smaller businesses to 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 majority of workers involved in these industries come from countries such as: Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Pakistan and Portugal.

3. So far, 1,185 labour providers hold a GLA licence. Over 100 licenses have been revoked (8 with immediate effect). One person and one business 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 2008. 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 report anonymously at www.gla.gov.uk/report

End

Public enquiries: 0845 602 5020

Media enquiries: 0115 900 8962

www.gla.gov.uk