Gangmaster's license revoked

[9th May 2008]

A gangmaster who supplied workers for a flower picking business in Cornwall has had his licence revoked following claims of low pay and poor living conditions.

Jonathan Beckson's license was taken by the Gangmaster's Licensing Authority (GLA) because of 'forced labour, intimidation and abuse'. Mr Beckson, of Timberland Homes Recruitment, supplied foreign workers, mainly Polish, to farms in Cornwall and Angus in Scotland.

One of the farm owners reported Mr Beckson after becoming suspicious about their workers' pay. Workers were paid 4 pence per bunch of flowers picked - equating to about £24 for a nine-hour day. Some accommodation did not have enough beds or toilets for the number of people housed there.

The GLA also found that workers had received letters saying that if they left their job before the end of their contract, they would be fined £700. If they did not have the money to pay the fine, the letter stated that the money would be recovered from their family in their home country.

Mr Beckson is disputing the GLA's decision.

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