Newcastle-based Central Employment Agency has been granted a Gangmasters Licence.

The recruiter had to undergo a government audit, which included an on-site visit to one of its clients, to gain the licence.

Managing director Johanna Caprelian says: "As an independent agency we try to make sure that we are up to date with current legislation at all times. Due to the nature of some of the work we undertake on a daily basis it was necessary for us to apply for the licence."

Any agency which supplies workers to agriculture, horticulture and food/drink processing and packaging will face up to ten years in prison and a £5,000 fine if they do not have a licence by 1 October.