SolvedNMWM06130 | Specific occupations and special groups: gangmaster supplied labour
From HM Revenue & Customs · National Minimum Wage Manual
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority was set up by The Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004 and Immigration Act 2016. From 7 April 2026 the GLAA's powers and functions continue under the Fair Work Agency (FWA). It aims to curb the exploitation of workers in the agriculture, forestry, horticulture, food processing and packaging and shellfish gathering industries. From 7 April 2026 labour providers in these sectors need to apply for a Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority licence from the FWA to enable them to operate legally within the United Kingdom (from 6 April 2006 to 6 Aril 2026 applications were made to the GLAA).
One of the conditions for obtaining and retaining a Gangmasters licence is that the labour provider fulfils their obligations to pay at least the National Minimum Wage, in that “The worker is paid at least the National or Agriculture Minimum Wage, taking into account the rules on accommodation offset.”
Whilst it is unlawful for an unregistered gangmaster to supply a worker this does not affect the legality of any contractual relationship between the worker and the gangmaster or between the worker and a third party. A worker will be able to rely on his contractual right to receive at least the National Minimum Wage from whoever is responsible for paying his wages, regardless of whether the gangmaster is registered or not.
A number of government departments liaise to ensure businesses meet the licensing standards and conditions, including:
Most workers supplied by gangmasters are likely to be agricultural workers (NMWM06020). Under no circumstances are compliance officers to investigate whether a gangmaster is licensed or not. However, if a compliance officer becomes aware of an employer who appears to be operating as an unlicensed gangmaster they should advise the National Minimum Wage Central Information Unit (NMWM02040).