Government body the Gangmasters Licensing Authority has given notice it will revoke the licence of Michael Smith of AAW Contract Services, after finding him “not fit and proper” to hold a licence.

The decision came after a “major investigation” into the treatment of gang labour used to pick flowers in Cornwall and Scotland.

The revocation of the licence will take effect from 21 May, unless an appeal against the decision is lodged within a defined timescale.