Gangmasters (follow-up) : eighth report of session 2003-04, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

Gangmasters are individuals who provide "gangs" of workers for the agricultural and horticultural industries in the form of casual labour.

This report follows on from the Committee's previous inquiry into the matter (HCP 691, session 2002-03; ISBN 0215012720) published in September 2003, and takes into account subsequent developments including the introduction of a Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill (HCB 17, session 2003-04; ISBN 021570360X) in January 2004 and the death of 20 cockle-pickers at Morecambe Bay the following month.

The Committee's findings include that the Government's response to its previous report lacked sufficient urgency and failed to conduct research into the nature and extent of problem of illegal gangmasters.

The report welcomes evidence of successful enforcement operations on the ground but urges the Government to ensure better co-ordination in the structure of policy-making and enforcement activity.

It recommends that a single Minister is given responsibility for the issue, to avoid the confusion and delay evident in the Government's response to the Morecambe Bay tragedy. The Committee supports the Private Member's Bill which has been introduced but argues that greater urgency and effort across Government is also required to ensure illegality and exploitation by many gangmasters is stopped.