MPs are to debate a bill that would require gangmasters, who often supply shift workers to the agricultural industry, to be licensed.

A private member’s bill before Parliament will require gangmasters to be regulated in order to protect the people who work for them.

Some unscrupulous gangmasters use illegal immigrant labour and keep their workers in slave-like conditions.

Recruiter has heard reports that some gangmasters have attempted to bully temps from other agencies into working for them.

The bill has been proposed by Scottish MP Jim Sheridan and has had its first reading before Parliament.

The legislative process takes several months and the government has yet to decide if it thinks legislation is necessary to regulate gangmasters.

But the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is drawing up a voluntary code of conduct for gangmasters.

The government has received condemnation from many quarters for failing to act against gangmasters.