Vulnerable Workers Get Stronger Protection

摘要

Five years after the deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers on the mud flats of Morecambe Bay, protection for workers employed by gangmasters has got stronger, with the introduction of new licensing standards by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA).rnThe GLA issues licences to gang-masters who work in the agriculture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging sectors. It was established as a result of the Chinese workers' deaths, to combat the rogue and criminal gangmasters who abuse those who work for them. Under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004, it is illegal for gangmasters in these sectors to operate without a GLA licence. Those who do, face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and an unlimited fine if caught. There are approximately 1,200 gangmasters licensed by the GLA.