Investigations have taken place on the Island into allegations of illegal businesses supplying foreign workers to pick and pack fruit and herbs.

The Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) has hit Kent with 26 surprise inspections on 20 separate businesses stretching from Dartford to Sheppey as part of Operation Ajax.

At least one unlicensed gangmaster was identified and issued with an enforcement notice, with enforcement officers investigating links into further unlicensed activity in the area.

A spokesman said: “Many legitimate gangmasters, farmers and packhouses were meeting legal requirements and welcomed the forceful action by the GLA to protect their legitimate businesses from the rogues and scoundrels that are undercutting them."

For full story see next week's Times Guardian