NEWS RELEASE
6 February 2006 For immediate release
STUC call for full use of Gangmaster legislation in light of Solway Firth scare
The latest scare in the Solway Firth today, where police were called over fears that cockle pickers were in danger of being caught by the Solway tide indicate that serious dangers continue for cockle pickers both legally and illegally employed.
Scottish TUC Assistant Secretary Dave Moxham said: "Whilst this was only a scare, the STUC do not want agencies to wait for another tragedy before acting. We understand that a number of incidents have been attended by police and ambulance over the past month".
The STUC has welcomed the Gangmasters Regulations introduced following a strong campaign by the Transport and General Workers Union and a Members Bill from Jim Sheridan MP. From April 2006 new licenses will be issued to bona fide applicants. The STUC is calling for action on a number of fronts.
· Maximum resources to be used in the enforcement of the new regulations · A joined up agency approach coordinated by the Gangmaster Licensing Authority and including Police, HSE and other enforcement agencies to crack down on the operation of non licensed operations. · A major publicity campaign to publicise the new regulations and to enforce the legal rights of workers. · Co-operation at all levels of the supply chain including supermarkets and other large retailers to establish a clear picture of the provenance of wholesale purchased products.
ENDS For further information contact Dave Moxham T 0141 337 810 or Kevin Buchanan 0141 3378 8100