A Cambridgeshire gangmaster, who appealed against the Gangmasters Licensing Authority’s decision to revoke his licence, has lost his case after clear evidence of a “systematic and cynical series of breaches” was found by the independent adjudicator
this month.

The GLA, which was supported by Sainsbury’s and Produce World in this case, revoked the licence of ELS Recruitment LTD of Peterborough with immediate effect after uncovering “shocking abuse” earlier this year (April).

In dismissing the appeal the judgement stated that: “There was clear evidence of a systematic and cynical series of breaches that
inevitably led to the finding that there has been a total disregard for the standards required of all licence labour providers, and ELS cannot be regarded as ‘fit and proper’ to hold a GLA licence.”

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA, said: “ELS Recruitment Ltd controlled where the workers lived, if they worked, how they
got to work and even if they got paid for working.  Anybody who abuses this amount of control over the lives of others deserves to face the consequences.”