Reducing the GLA's powers will embolden rogue agencies, says TUC

date: 27 August 2013

embargo: For immediate release

The TUC has today (Tuesday) slammed the announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that it is to reduce the role of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority.

Under plans, published this morning, the GLA will no longer have powers to regulate the forestry sector, land agents and cleaning contractors operating in the food processing industry.

Agencies in these sectors will no longer have to get a GLA licence before they start operating or be subject to inspections by the GLA.

In addition, the GLA will be stopped from carrying out automatic inspections on every company that applies for a new GLA licence.

The TUC says the moves will put thousands of vulnerable workers at risk and encourage rogue employment agencies to flout basic rights at work.

Instead of reducing the scope of the GLA, its remit should be extended to other high-risk sectors including construction, hospitality and social care, says the TUC.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'This government seems determined to weaken the role of the GLA regardless of the impact it has on vulnerable workers.

'Cutting back inspections and stripping the GLA of powers will significantly increase the risk of rogue employers being granted a licence, under-cutting law-abiding agencies and abusing their workforces.

'The GLA was created after the Morecambe Bay tragedy to ensure that people working in high-risk industries are safe at work and properly paid.

'Ministers are not cutting back on 'red tape' they are getting rid of vital employment protections.''

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