Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) enforcement officers were on the Lavan Sands near Bangor yesterday to raise awareness of the licencing scheme among the shellfish sector.

Anybody intending to supply or use workers to gather shellfish legally after the 6 April needs a licence, but the GLA says with two weeks to go there seems to be little interest from the industry.

The GLA accepts that many of the cockle beds are likely to be shut by April and that shellfish gangmasters are unlikely to apply and pay for a licence until they know when the beds will open again. However, the licensing regime covers all types of shellfish gathering, including mussels, periwinkles and razor-clams.

Mike Wilson, chief executive of the GLA, says: “We are extremely concerned they will leave it too late and end up operating illegally.
“It is unacceptable that the welfare of workers can be put at risk by unscrupulous gangmasters. We are willing to work with those involved in shellfish gathering to make sure they understand the licensing requirements and become compliant. But if they do not come forward - and we have given them every opportunity to do so – we will not hesitate to prosecute where we find illegal activity.”