GLAA sets out its plan for 2017-2020

The Gangmasters Licensing and Labour Abuse Authority (‘GLAA’) has revealed its updated plan to tackle modern slavery and exploited workers. The GLAA has set out three strategic priorities to achieve its goals.

1. Preventing worker exploitation
2. Protecting vulnerable people
3. Pursuing those who exploit others for their work either financially, physically and/or through coercion or control.

To achieve these targets the GLAA has highlighted six objectives;

• Disrupt criminal activity market
• Support compliant businesses
• Work in partnership with businesses to protect worker rights
• Identify and support victims of labour exploitation
• Maintain the GLAA licensed sectors
• Engage with stakeholders to manage and minimise risk

The Home Office has increased the GLAA’s funding from £5 million in 2016-17 to £7.6 million in 2017-18. The increase in funding will allow the GLAA to expand from 114 members of staff to 125. The increase is in line with the GLAA’s increased investigatory powers and immigration responsibilities. On 30th April 2017 the GLAA were granted additional police-style powers to search for and seize evidence in relation to offences under the Modern Slavery Act; and investigation of offences under National Minimum Wage (NMW) and Employment Agencies Acts, as well as the existing Gangmasters Licensing legislation. The extra funding also demonstrates commitment towards eradicating the exploitation of workers. 

Aspire Comment

There are many responsibilities employers face in relation to their workers and ensuring that they are treated fairly and in accordance with the law. Any failure in these requirements can lead to both financial and reputational risk and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.

With increased exposure and powers of enforcement bodies such as the GLAA, as well as increasing fines for non-compliance, there is even more pressure on employers to ensure they are operating compliantly.

If you are concerned about any of your obligations as an employer, or if you think you have failed to comply with any of the regulations that the GLAA now have powers to investigate, please get in touch with Aspire to discuss how we can help.

It is good practice for companies to have a Modern Slavery Policy and, if a company meets the £36m turnover threshold, then you must also publish an annual Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking statement on your website. If you would like to discuss this in more detail, please give one of our team a call.