The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has shut down a recruiter after it was found to be paying less than the minimum wage.

Lorna McConaghy, the named principal authority on the licence, was also found to be acting on behalf of a person who is an undischarged bankrupt, according to the government body this person was not named on the licence.

The workers were receiving £42 per day for a 7 hour 45 minute shift. This meant they were only paid £5.41 per hour, which is below the National Minimum Wage of £5.73 per hour.

Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA, said: “Everybody has a right to minimum employment standards. We will continue to make sure everybody gets the protection they deserve.”