Faccenda systems protect it from suspected illegal gangmaster

By Rod Addy

- Last updated on GMT

The gangmaster was trying to source workers for agencies serving Faccenda's Telford plant
The gangmaster was trying to source workers for agencies serving Faccenda's Telford plant

Related tags Crime

Poultry supplier Faccenda’s systems prevented it from employing workers sourced by a suspect gangmaster at its Telford factory.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has reported that it is questioning a woman facing allegations of attempting to supply a chicken factory with seven migrant workers.

According to the GLAA, the 25-year-old woman, who holds Romanian and German passports, tried to supply the workers to Telford-based recruiters seeking staff for the plant.

Faccenda md Andy Dawkins told Food Manufacture​: "I am pleased to feedback that our safety net screening in this important area has done its job.

Alerted to activities

“As you might expect, Faccenda have agreed compliance procedures with any partner acting on our behalf to recruit new employees. Two of these agencies, recruiting for the Telford site, were alerted to the activities of the woman under investigation prior to Christmas and both reported their concerns to the GLAA.

“In accordance with normal practice, the agencies would not have shared that information with their clients so as not to prejudice any investigation. As you know, Faccenda is proud of the way it looks after all of its colleagues and I am heartened to hear about the GLAA investigating any example where good standards are not being followed.”

Questioned

The woman is being questioned by GLAA officers in Wolverhampton, who visited two addresses in the Newbridge area of the town yesterday. She does not hold a GLAA licence to operate as a gangmaster in the UK.

Providing workers for roles in the fresh produce sector without a licence is a criminal offence under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.

Enquiries are continuing and the GLAA is releasing no further information at this stage.

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