Swindon-based recruitment firm C&D Group is looking for growth in the food industry after obtaining a Gangmasters’ licence – a standard that recognises its commitment to protecting workers from exploitation.
The licence scheme, run by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), regulates businesses that provide workers to industries such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and food and drink processing and packaging. 
It covers areas spanning health and safety, training, pay and transport and also ensure labour suppliers meet tax, National Insurance and tax regulations.
Firms working with agencies with a Gangmasters’ licence know they are sourcing their labour through a legitimate provider. Consumers can also be assured their food has been harvested and packed in an ethical environment.
C&D Group owner and founder Karen Davison, pictured, said: “We knew the application process would be challenging as the GLA’s audits of legal and operating processes is very detailed and comprehensive.
“We welcomed this process as it improves our industry as a whole and is an extremely credible licence to hold. Now our license is approved, we can offer C&D Group’s innovative recruitment solutions to a wider range of clients.”
C&D has gained its licence at a crucial time of the year when the market begins gearing up for the peak retail season. The firm, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, is now in a position to provide large volumes of labour into the buoyant food sector.
A generalist recruitment company offering permanent, temporary and contract placements in a range of business sectors, C&D also has offices in Birmingham and Dunstable, Bedfordshire. It employs more than 25 permanent consultants and has plans to take on more recruitment professionals in the near future.
