The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and the Bulgarian Chief Labour Inspectorate have agreed to work together to monitor and regulate labour companies that provide seasonal workers for the UK.

The agreement follows incidents investigated by the GLA last year when Bulgarian seasonal workers in the agriculture sector reported that they were victims of exploitation in the UK.

Paul Whitehouse, GLA chairman, says: “The GLA has proven it can effectively tackle labour exploitation in the UK. But there can be no hiding place for those who exploit workers.

“The close co-operation between the GLA and the Bulgarian GLI will ensure exploitation is tackled at all points of the labour supply process. Enforcement with international partners will prevent and disrupt worker abuse.”