The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) is the new body recently set up to regulate, for the first time, gangmasters who supply workers to farms, agricultural and shellfish businesses throughout the UK.

The body will develop and operate a licensing scheme, set licensing conditions and maintain a register of licensed labour providers.

The scheme will be up and running in 2006 and it will then be an offence for anyone acting as a gangmaster to operate without a license. It will also be illegal for anyone to use an unlicensed gangmaster.

NFU Scotland is pleased to announce that it has been given a place on this board, and that Lisa Webb, Regional Manager, began her appointment on 1 April 2005.

Speaking of her new appointment, Lisa said:

"I am very pleased to have been nominated for this position and to have been appointed. I feel that the creation of the gangmasters watchdog will be a very positive move for the entire agricultural industry and look forward to being involved in the licensing process."