An application for a GLA licence has been refused as the gangmaster concerned was underprepared and had given no thought as to how to run her business.

Mrs Paramjit Kaur, who applied for a GLA licence for Birmingham based Stardust Contracts, was told that her application has been refused and that trading without a licence is a prosecutable offence with penalties of up to ten years imprisonment and a fine.

Kaur prepared no paperwork for the inspection and has no previous experience in the GLA sector. Her application failed five of the nine sections of the licensing standards. Other concerns relate to her declared title of co-director when no other individual was named on the licence application. Historically, the GLA has refused a number of licence applications from individuals believed to be applying on behalf of others who are trying to hide their involvement in the business.

Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA, says: “This lady has wasted her money in applying for a GLA licence when she has put no effort into setting up the business.”

“A gangmaster is responsible for the welfare of workers and we need to see that this responsibility is taken seriously.”