GANGMASTERS LICENSING AUTHORITY

Early day motion 1366, tabled 28 April 2009 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 94 members.

That this House notes that the Gangmasters Licensing Authority was created in the aftermath of the Morecambe Bay tragedy to protect workers from exploitation in agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging; congratulates Gangmasters Licensing Authority staff for the good work they do to safeguard the welfare and interests of workers while ensuring that labour providers operate within the law; further notes that the limitations of the Authority's remit leaves workers in other industries vulnerable as gangmasters are diversifying into construction, textiles, catering and cleaning trades, outside the remit of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority; and therefore calls for a widening of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority remit to incorporate all vulnerable workers whether migrant or casual workers, and improved resourcing to enable the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to carry out its functions to achieve the best results possible.

Signatures by party: Labour 66, Liberal Democrat 15, Independent 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent Labour 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.