|
25 May 2006 - Take Part in GLA Public
Consultation
Navigation
A Public Consultation has been launched by the Gangmasters
Licensing Authority (GLA), asking views of anyone involved in the shellfish
industry and other interested parties what standards need to be addressed to
meet safer working conditions.
Gangmasters can apply for a "shellfish gathering" license from 1
October 2006, allowing a 6 month changover period, prior to implementation of
the new scheme in April 2007, when holding a license becomes mandatory.
The new licensing scheme is aimed at preventing the exploitation
of shellfish gatherers and preventing deaths such as in the Morecambe Bay
Tragedy.
Chief Executive of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, Mr. Mike
Wilson, said:
"We want to hear from those affected to make sure workers
understand the protection afforded to them by the law, if they are unsure of
their rights or encounter problems they should contact the GLA.
"Through licensing, everyone in the food supply chain will
ultimately be able to distinguish the legal operators from the illegal ones"
Mr. Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA also commented:
"We do not want history to repeat itself, by regulating this
sector we hope to avoid future tragedies.
"The GLA has been set up to safeguard the welfare and interests of workers, it's
in everybody's interests to ensure that those who gather shellfish are
protected."
Many events, throughout the UK, have been organised by the GLA,
providing an opportunity for Gangmasters and providers to hear more about the
new licensing scheme.
The venue for the Consultation events is as follows:
-
Lancaster - Thursday 8 June 2006
-
Edinburgh - Wednesday 14 June 2006
-
North Wales - Tuesday 27 June 2006
-
Swansea - Wednesday 28 June 2006.
The closing date for the consultation is the 5 July 2006.
Further information and Consultation applications etc can be
accessed from the GLA Website by clicking the following:
Gangmasters
Licensing Authority Website
Article by Alexandra Johnston
 Click Here to
Email This Article To a Friend
|
