Gangmasters Bill

The government has promised to back a Bill which would require the licensing of gangmasters - individuals who organise the supply of labour, primarily to the agricultural and horticultural industries.

The Bill is being introduced by Jim Sheridan MP and has received strong support from the T&G general union, which organises many agricultural and horticultural workers.

The concerns about the activities of gangmasters have grown enormously following the death of at least 20 workers gathering cockles in Morecambe, who were supplied by a gangmaster.