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Leek-pack gangmaster loses appeal

March 12, 2009 Comments Off

Merseyside gangmaster Cartwright Employment has had its license revoked after its manager failed to win an appeal against claims the company breached licensing laws

The Kirkby-based firm was unable to counter the evidence put forward by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority(GLA) that he had failed to pay income tax and national insurance contributions, given workers payslips and even contracts.

He was also unable to provide records of the dates and times the labour force worked, health and safety agreements, and employee files with paperwork stating they could work in the UK.

Cartwright Employment provided workers for a leek farm in Lancashire for the harvesting and crating of leeks for transport.

“The lack of evidence provided is damning and raises questions about exactly what the workers were paid, how much money is owed to the taxmen and exactly how the workers were treated,” said GLA chairman Paul Whitehouse.

“We will continue to protect workers, legitimate businesses and identify non-payment of tax while dealing with the unscrupulous gangmasters.”

The GLA was established to protect workers in agriculture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging.

Operation Ajax was established in June 2008 to tackle illegal gangmasters in the UK through targeted enforcement through unannounced raids.

 

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