Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004
The Gangmasters Act 2004 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom regulating agency workers.
Background
The legislation was proposed soon after 23 Chinese cockle-pickers died as a result of the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster.Legislative passage
The legislation was passed as a private member's bill.Provisions
The act establishes a system of registration and licensing for employers.Those operating without a licence can receive a sentence of up to 10 years, and farmers and food companies can face a sentence of up to 6 months.
The authority regulates the agriculture, shellfish and processing and packing sectors.
Commencement
The following commencement orders have been made for this act:- Gangmasters Act 2004 Order 2004
- Gangmasters Act 2004 Order 2005
- Gangmasters Act 2004 Order 2006
- Gangmasters Act 2004 Order 2006
- Gangmasters Act 2004 Order 2007