A Dungannon-based gangmaster was convicted on a charge of section 12(1) of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 of operating without a licence.

Last Tuesday (23 November) Tracy Gallagher of Gallagher Meat Contractors based in Dungannon but whose business address is Gortin Road, Omagh, pleaded guilty to the charge and was consequently fined £750 and ordered to pay costs.

Gallagher was found to be supplying workers to a slaughterhouse business without a gangmasters licence between 18 January 2010 and 26 February 2010.

Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA, says: “We hope this conviction will serve as a warning for anybody considering supplying labour without a licence. Those using labour should also double check that their labour provider is licensed.”