Gangmaster pays penalty for not resolving condition on licence

A Kent gangmaster who was allowed to continue trading as long as they resolved a failed licencing condition has lost their licence. Chartley Personnel Limited trading as TemPer Recruitment Services based in Sittingbourne in Kent, must now stop supplying workers in the GLA regulated sectors or face prosecution.

Evidence was required to prove that the gangmaster had co-operated with the company the workers were supplied to, to ensure that working conditions at the site to which the workers were provided complied with relevant health and safety legislation. When this was not provided despite numerous chances, the GLA had no choice but to revoke the licence.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA said:

“This company had a significant period of time to resolve the problem. We were set up to protect workers and if their health and safety is not taken seriously, then we have no choice but to revoke the licence.”

Notes to editors

1. So far, the GLA has licensed approximately 1,200. 76 licences have been revoked (7 with immediate effect). 1 person has been prosecuted for operating without a licence, with more prosecutions forthcoming.

2. 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.

3. Paul Whitehouse, GLA Chairman, is available for interview.

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