Gangmasters Targeted In Enforcement Operation

The organisation set up in the wake of the Morecambe Bay disaster nearly five years ago has been flexing its muscles in Northern Ireland today.

Supported by vehicle checkpoints set up by the PSNI, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) took to the roads of Co Armagh and Co Down today to check conditions in which workers - mainly migrants - are being transported.

After the February 2004 tragedy - in which 23 Chinese people lost their lives as they harvested cockles, against a rising tide in Morecambe Bay - new laws created the Gangmaster Licensing Authority.

This morning the organisation was in Portadown Craigavon and Newry as part of a major clampdown on Northern Ireland's illegal migrant worker market.

It's the first time the government has gone to such lengths to try to detect illegal activity.

The initiative comes in the wake of a publicity campaign by the GLA in October when it announced that it had significant concerns over the number of unlicensed gangmasters operating in the province.

They also revealed at that time that a series of operations would take place to catch unlicensed operators and ensure licence holders are meeting legal requirements.

Head of the operation, the GLA's Ian Japp, said one issue they're concerned about is the standard of vehicles being used to transport workers: "Any type of vehicle being used to transport workers then we have to ensure they are properly roadworthy."

He was supported by PSNI Chief Inspector Diane Pennington.

She said that if workers are being exploited the police will take action.

"There is a need to check the licenses of employers in Northern Ireland and this operation will find out if there are people operating without one.

Then they can take the necessary steps to ensure they get their documentation in order," she said.

The problem is often exacerbated by the fear that migrant workers have about coming forward and any possible consequences for their livelihood.

The move comes just after a startling revelation about conditions under which some Filipino fishermen are forced to work in Northern Ireland ports - with very low rates of pay - and poor and often dangerous working conditions.

A union statement said the fishermen are suffering exploitation, poor pay, abuse, intimidation and even physical attacks.

These were highlighted in a report published by trade unionist to mark International Human Rights Day.

See: Raw Deal For Foreign Fishermen

(BMcC)