Proposals for a new body to help stop exploitation of agricultural workers have been published.
A new Act requires labour providers, known as gangmasters, to be licensed. The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 means that nobody will be able to act as a gangmaster in agriculture, shellfish gathering and related processing and packaging without a licence, and it will be illegal for anyone to use an unlicensed gangmaster.
Offenders risk up to ten years in prison.
A Gangmasters Licensing Authority will operate a licensing scheme, set licensing conditions and maintain a register of licensed gangmasters so that everyone in the food supply chain can distinguish between legal and illegal operators.
A consultation on the shape and role of the new authority has been published, and views are sought by Friday 29 October on issues
including:
* Composition of the Board.
* Ensuring relevant stakeholder interests are represented adequately.
* Role of liaison groups.
* Objectives to be met in setting licence conditions.
* Proceedings of the Board and its committees.