The Morecambe Bay cockle-picking tragedy that left 19 Chinese gang labourers dead has intensified calls for gangmasters to be licensed.

Home secretary David Blunkett has backed a private member’s bill, introduced by Labour MP Jim Sheridan, which would regulate the activities of gangmasters.

Under the terms of the bill, gangmasters, who control gangs of low-paid immigrant workers in industries like agriculture, would need special licences to operate.

Gareth Osborne, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) managing director, said: “This legislation, if it becomes law, will help to protect both workers and the reputation of our industry.

“Sheridan’s bill is a first step to improve standards but the government must also do more to join up its thinking across the range of departments that have responsibility for illegal working.”

The REC will also press the government to ensure the agency that will oversee the scheme, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, is properly funded.

As Recruiter went to press, police had arrested seven people in connection with the tragedy on suspicion of manslaughter. They are also investigating whether the notorious Snakehead people-trafficking gang was involved.

The Chinese cockle-pickers had ventured out on to the mud flats in Morecambe Bay – even though the sands are lethal at this time of year.

The bill is due for its second reading on Friday 27 February.