Most gangmasters are in favour of licensing, claims a new report on the performance of the GLA by the University of Sheffield and University of Liverpool.

The report found that 79% of surveyed gangmasters backed licensing, while 69% said the GLA were doing a good job and only 18% described their contact with the GLA as burdensome.

The report also shows that there has been a sharp decline in licensed gangmasters needing to resolve conditions on their licences from 400 to 68.

Paul Whitehouse, GLA chairman, says: “Government and bodies such as the FSA are now emphasising that regulators must be tough. We started like that in 2005 and are determined to remain like that. And while we like to work closely with those we regulate, no effective regulator can get so close to those it regulates that it begins to dance to their tune.

“Effective regulation is achieved by the direct and tough enforcement of clear rules. I have no doubt about this.”