Legislation
The Home Office is the government department responsible for the primary and secondary legislation which covers the GLAA, the licensing scheme and the offences.
The legislation applies to labour providers, employment agencies and businesses who supply workers to the regulated sectors anywhere in the UK, including the sea bed, shore, and any estuary or tidal river adjacent to the UK.
Primary legislation
The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 established the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to set up and operate the licensing scheme for labour providers operating in the regulated sectors. It also created the offences of acting as an unlicensed gangmaster and using an unlicensed gangmaster.
In May 2016, the UK Parliament approved a new Immigration Act, which called for the reformation and renaming of the GLA to become the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and to sit under a new post of Director of Labour Market Enforcement. Under the provisions of this act the remit and powers of the GLA are to be extended.
Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004
Secondary legislation
The Gangmasters (Licensing Authority) Regulations 2005 came into effect on 1 April 2005. The regulations govern all matters in connection with the establishment and operation of the Authority.
The Gangmasters (Licensing) Regulations 2005
Gangmasters (Licensing Conditions) Rules 2009
Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations 2006
Gangmasters (Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
Gangmasters Licensing (Exclusions) Regulations 2013. Link opens in a new tab
Gangmasters Licensing (Exclusions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014. Link opens in a new tab
Gangmasters (Licensing Authority) Regulations 2015
The Gangmasters (Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) (Fees) Rules 2025
Find out more...
www.legislation.gov.uk: The official website of UK legislation
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority - more details are provided here