The government has confirmed that Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) regulations will not be extended beyond agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and associated processing and packaging industries.

Edward Davey, the minister for employment relations, has written to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) confirming that GLA regulations should not be extended.

The government also stressed its commitment to risk-based enforcement through the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and other regulatory bodies.

Kevin Green chief executive of the REC, says: “We are delighted that the new coalition government has dealt with this matter quickly and effectively so that we can both concentrate on the real issues affecting our industry.  The REC was concerned that an extension of the GLA would simply lead to a costly scheme, which wouldn’t catch rogue providers operating without a licence.”