The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) recently announced their intention to combat the abuse of workers with the launch of Operation Ajax. This will see the GLA increasing its activities with an 18-month programme of targeted enforcement, involving around 20 to 30 surprise raids throughout the UK where the GLA believes there is abuse. Paul Whitehouse, Chairman of the GLA, said: “Operation Ajax is a long term commitment from the GLA to enforce worker rights and stamp out exploitation wherever and whenever we find it. “We know certain areas of the country have high gangmaster activity and we know from our intelligence that certain enterprises, gangmasters and their associates deserve looking at closely. “Based on this we have put together Operation Ajax to route out the rogues and catch the crooks – in short – if you are abusing the system, if you are abusing your workers – watch out – we’re coming after you.” Since the GLA was launched in 2006 the authority has investigated worker abuse which has included non compliance in the following areas: • forced labour • threats and verbal abuse against workers • workers forced to pay illegal deductions from wages for unsuitable or overcrowded accommodation • workers forced to travel to work in ‘death trap’ vans • workers being paid below the minimum wage • workers whose health and safety has been put at risk • manipulation of worker documents Investigatory Audits have led to 57 revocations of gangmaster licences by the GLA.