The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) is a government agency set up to regulate the supply of workers to the agricultural, horticultural, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging industries. Its aim is to monitor and improve health and safety standards and prevent the exploitation of workers in these industries.

The GLA operates a licensing scheme; labour providers and employment agencies within these industries have been required to obtain a license in order to operate since 1 October 2006.

The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 which introduced the licensing arrangements requires the Secretary of State to make provision for appeals against any decision of the licensing authority.  The Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations 2006 set up the arrangements for the conduct of appeals.

An appeal can be made to the Gangmasters Licensing Appeals Tribunal against the GLA in the event of a decision to:

• revoke a license
• refuse a license application,
• modify a license or
• refuse consent to the transfer of a license.

A guide for people making an appeal is available. It includes an application form which can be printed, completed and submitted to the Tribunal secretariat.

If you are not sure whether to appeal or whether you need an oral hearing, you should seek advice from a solicitor or other professional adviser. If you belong to a trade association it may be able to help you. Advice can also be obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau (www.nacab.org.uk or in Northern Ireland, www.citizensadvice.co.uk) or a law centre.