Gangmaster pays the price for failing to co-operate

A Nottinghamshire gangmaster has had their licence revoked after failing to provide vital information to inspectors. JK Staff Limited must now stop supplying workers in the GLA regulated sectors or face prosecution.

Mr Jan Konicz the Director, did not co-operate with the GLA despite being asked on numerous occasions to provide information. As a consequence, the licence of JK Staff Limited had been revoked by the GLA.

JK Staff did not appeal against the revocation decision.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA said:

“This rogue gangmaster has ignored us long enough. We will revoke the licence of anyone who fails to take us seriously.”

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, the GLA has licensed approximately 1,201 labour providers. Seventy Eight licenses have been revoked (7 with immediate effect).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

End

Public enquiries: 0845 602 5020

Media enquiries: 0115 900 8962

www.gla.gov.uk