Gangmaster licensing should cover more

An Institution of Occupational Safety and Health product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Mar 17, 2006

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health welcomes that a framework is finally in place to implement the Gangmaster (Licensing) Act 2004, but is disappointed at the number of exclusions.

he Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), while welcoming the government's announcement that a framework is finally in place to implement the Gangmaster (Licensing) Act 2004, is disappointed at the number of exclusions.

We believe gangmaster licensing is an important step in helping to protect the health and safety of potentially vulnerable groups, including migrant, seasonal and casual workers, and that such exclusions may leave some groups at risk.

Under the new exclusion regulations, the licensing scheme will only apply to the farming and food processing industries and though potentially helping to protect some 600,000 workers from exploitation and health and safety risks, could leave many others exposed.

Additionally, mindful of the Morecambe Bay cockle-pickers tragedy in which 21 lives were needlessly lost, we are concerned at any unnecessary delay in extending the scheme to cover shellfish gathering and urge implementation at the earliest opportunity.

Commenting on the announcement, IOSH President Neil Budworth said: "Now that the licensing system is being launched, it's vital that the regulations are properly implemented, monitored and enforced".

"It's essential that all workers can work in a safe and healthy environment - new and inexperienced workers need adequate training and supervision and any workers with language difficulties must have their needs addressed".

He closed by saying: "IOSH and health and safety practitioners throughout the UK will continue to offer guidance and support to both workers and employers to ensure that the highest possible health and safety standards are met.".