Guidance

How to check if a labour provider has a gangmaster’s licence

Published 7 April 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-check-if-a-labour-provider-has-a-gangmasters-licence/how-to-check-if-a-labour-provider-has-a-gangmasters-licence

Labour providers will most likely need a Fair Work Agency (FWA) gangmaster’s licence to supply workers in:  

  • agriculture   

  • horticulture   

  • shellfish gathering   

  • food processing and packaging

Labour providers in these sectors must have a licence, unless they are excluded or exempt.

Some activities in these sectors do not need a licence. You can read more on when a licence is not required in separate guidance on who needs a gangmaster’s licence.

Some food packaging companies are exempt. You can check the list of exempt companies. 

You could get a prison sentence, a fine, or both if you use an unlicensed labour provider. If your labour provider uses subcontractors, you should check they are licensed. You can be prosecuted if they use unlicensed subcontractors.

How to check if a labour provider is licensed  

There are 2 ways to check if a labour provider is licensed:  

  1. Search the public register of licensed labour providers.

  2. Sign up for Active Check.  

1. Search the public register of licensed labour providers 

Search the public register for a labour provider using any of these details: 

  • unique reference number 

  • business name 

  • business location

2. Sign up for Active Check 

Active Check will let you see if a labour provider is on the public register of licensed providers. 

You’ll also be emailed if: 

  • the people who are allowed to negotiate contracts change 

  • FWA removes the labour provider from the public register

Sign up for Active Check.

What to do after checking the public register 

After checking the public register and finding your labour provider, you should: 

  • print and keep a copy of their page on the register – pages are date stamped, so are proof that you checked the provider is licensed

  • note the names of the ‘Authorised Persons’ (APs) or postholders – you must only deal with APs or postholders in contract negotiations 

You should check the public register every 3 months, so you can see any changes to the provider’s licence, APs or postholders. If the APs or postholders have changed, you must only deal with the new APs in contract negotiations.

If you cannot see your labour provider listed

If the labour provider you’re searching for does not appear on the public register, contact us to confirm if they’re licensed or not.

You can contact us by: 

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)

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