Messages of support for the new GLA strategy

“The Association of Labour Providers welcomes the 2013-16 GLA Strategic Plan, which rightly puts the protection of vulnerable and exploited workers at its heart. The ALP will work together with the GLA wherever possible to tackle serious crime, human trafficking, forced labour and other forms of worker exploitation.

“Compliant labour providers will welcome the easing of the regulatory burden as they continue to support the food and agricultural sectors to achieve economic growth.”

David Camp, Director, Association of Labour Providers

"The REC strongly endorses this new strategic plan. We have long advocated easing the burden on compliant recruitment businesses in order to better focus GLA resources on driving out the organised criminality that still exists in parts of the labour supply chain, and we are pleased that such a shift is at the centre of the new strategy. We also welcome the recognition from the GLA that working in partnership with compliant agencies is integral to achieving their goals.

"There should be no place in our industry for those who break the law and flout regulation, and the REC, and all our member agencies, will do all we can to support the GLA in ensuring the successful delivery of this plan, and with it a fair and level playing field."

Kevin Green, Chief Executive, Recruitment and Employment Confederation

"We regularly see cases where workers are exploited in all of the sectors that are regulated by the GLA; this can cause significant harm and misery to vulnerable people and communities whilst generating substantial profits for the organised crime groups involved.

“Human trafficking for forced labour is a problem in the UK and across the EU. In 2012 alone 370 men, women and children were identified as being potential victims of labour trafficking in this country. It is only through strong and effective partnerships that this can be prevented, victims properly identified and protected, and the criminals behind this cynical and heinous trade can be brought to justice."

Liam Vernon, Head of the UK Human Trafficking Centre

“The NFU welcomes this new strategic plan, which sets out a clear and strict focus on targeting gross abuse and exploitation of workers by rogue gangmasters. A risk-based approach to carrying out inspections, and enhanced intelligence sharing with other government agencies, will help the GLA achieve greater efficiency and target its resources where action is most required.”

Meurig Raymond, Deputy President, National Farmers Union

“The revised plan sets out meaningful and challenging targets for the GLA team, however, the key change of emphasis is its commitment to proactively work with the industry (Labour Users) to protect temporary labour whilst delivering exceptional results with modest resources.”

Nigel R Jenney, Chief Executive, Fresh Produce Consortium

"The role of protecting workers from exploitation and abuse continues to be an important one, and one that needs ongoing attention.

"This new strategy will focus resources on those industries that seek to exploit or put at risk vulnerable workers while relieving responsible sectors of industry from an unnecessary burden.

"The proposals are strongly in line with the LGA's work with our member councils to release responsible businesses from onerous licensing requirements. We therefore welcome proposals that move central government regulators in a similar direction, and hope that more national regulators will recognise that this is the way forward."

Cllr Paul Bettison, regulation spokesman, Local Government Association

“I fully support the GLA’s focus on serious and organized crime and particularly welcome the GLA’s plan to work more closely with Labour Providers for the benefit of both our industry and the wider economy.”

Joanne Young, GLA Board Member (ALP representative)