Gangmasters could face losing their licence immediately under new measures from the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA).

From April, criminal gangmasters are to face tougher sanctions after the government’s industry watchdog announced a crackdown.

New measures include increasing the likelihood that a gangmaster who ill treats workers will have their licence revoked immediately, and disqualifying gangmasters for two years when they are considered to be not fit and proper to hold a licence, or have their licence revoked more than once.

Bernard Gaughan, proprietor of Edinburgh-based Total Labour Solutions, told Recruiter he particularly welcomed checks into the background of gangmasters.

“I think that is long overdue, because there have been instances of people using fronts to gain licences.

“It’s only right that people who are fit and proper to hold a licence should do so.”