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

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)