GANGMASTERS - Illegal malpractice
Where crop production is seasonal, there are inevitably fluctuations in demand for labour which traditionally have been met by a system of temporary labour providers or “gangmasters”. However, as the demand has grown, it is evident that unscrupulous employers and criminal gangs have presented themselves as legitimate businesses to meet labour requirements of growers, pack houses and food processing. Slavery, violence, intimidation, as well as health and safety malpractice, have all been observed. As the Morecambe Bay tragedy demonstrated, this can sometimes result in the death of immigrant workers.
Illegal operations by certain gangmasters can include exploitation of workers, conspiracy to bring illegal workers into the United Kingdom and failure to pay monies deducted from wages (for tax and National Insurance) to the authorities. Recently, three gangmasters were sent to jail for supplying 250 illegal workers which was “earning” them £100,000 per month for 3 years.
Because of the public concern, legislation has now been passed which will require all providers of temporary labour to be licensed. Essentially, this means that they will have to demonstrate that they observe United Kingdom law and recognised international standards.
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