Two fined for acting as unlicensed gangmasters in the North-West
Two men found to have been running a recruitment agency in the North-West of England have been fined for acting as unlicensed gangmasters.
A statement from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) this morning, reveals Raja Mudassar Javed and Wayne Critchley supplied between 30-40 workers to a food factory in Greater Manchester between February and October 2017.
The pair, who managed Smart Way 2 Recruit Ltd, were prosecuted following an investigation by the GLAA. Their company is now in administration.
Javed, of Ashton-under-Lyne, and Critchley, of New Moston, Manchester, both pleaded guilty to acting as a gangmaster in contravention of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 when they appeared before Tameside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (30 May).
Javed was fined £1.2k plus a victim surcharge of £100 while Critchley received a fine of £800 plus a victim surcharge of £85.
Acting as a gangmaster without a GLAA licence is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
It is also an offence to use labour provided by unlicensed gangmasters. This offence carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a fine.
• Comment below on this story. You can also tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend. Our editorial email is [email protected]
