Economic & Social Research Council
Raising Standards for Agency Workers
Paul Whitehouse
GLA Chairman
Background
• Set up in 2005, operational in 2006
• Licence labour providers in agriculture and food
industry: approx 1,200 licensed
• Illegal to be unlicensed and use someone unlicensed:
11 prosecutions so far
Myth and Fact
Myth:
“The GLA was only set up in response to the
Morecambe Bay Tragedy”
Fact:
Morecambe Bay was the final catalyst, but there was
a sustained, industry backed campaign to improve
regulation in the food industry
Why is the GLA different?
• Meaningful intelligence led inspection regime which
levels the playing field
• Licensing Standards are comprehensive. Compliance
with wide range of employment rights not just a
narrow focus
• Worker welfare at the heart of GLA decision making
• Previous licensing scheme (until mid 1990s) failed
because it was not a credible form of compliance
Problems the GLA has tackled
Problems the GLA has tackled
Problems the GLA has tackled
Problems the GLA has tackled
Debate about the GLA’s remit
• Should the GLA’s remit be extended to other sectors?
• Numerous Parliamentary Select Committees and
independent reports have called for licensing to be
extended, especially to construction
• Some in industry reluctant
Myth and Fact
Myth:
“Licensing is bureaucratic and costly”
Fact:
GLA expects compliance with existing law. While
there is a licence fee, arguably that would be
reduced if licensing was extended
GLA: the Future
• Challenging economic environment. But GLA model
is cost effective by tackling tax evasion
• Must continue to be risk-led and respond quickly to
emerging issues (e.g. Travel and subsistence
schemes)