We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Latvian fruit pickers in worst case of worker abuse
A LANCASHIRE gangmaster had his licence revoked this week after investigators uncovered one of the worst cases of worker abuse in recent history.
Plus Staff 24, based in Skelmersdale, collected 242 points in non-compliance during the investigation by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA). Just 30 points would have been sufficient to revoke the licence.
GLA inspectors found a group of over 30 Latvian fruit pickers were subjected to appalling treatment that kept them trapped in employment, working below minimum wage and when the workers needed money they were given loans with a repayment rate of 6 per cent.
Workers were also given accommodation in ‘filthy and dangerous’ housing, the GLA said, and in some cases they received no pay at all after deductions had been made from their wages.
Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA said: “This is a flagrant abuse of power over workers. When a human being has worked hard for a month and gets paid nothing after deductions and even owes the gangmaster money, how are they supposed to survive?”
The investigation was launched after it was revealed Maria Baptista, who had previously had a gangmasters licence revoked, was working for Plus Staff 24.
It emerged she remained on the payroll of the firm, with former driver Jose Rosa acting as a front while she continued to run the business.
West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said the case highlighted the need for the Government to crack down on exploitation of workers.
She said: “I am calling on all the authorities to use every power they have to ensure companies are operating according to, and within the law. No-one should be exploited in such a greed-driven and cynical way. These practices belong to history not in the 21st century.”
