The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 (c. 11) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom regulating agency workers.
The legislation was proposed soon after 23 Chinese cockle-pickers died as a result of the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster.
The legislation was passed as a private member's bill.
The act establishes a system of registration and licensing for employers.
Those operating without a licence can receive a sentence of up to 10 years, and farmers and food companies can face a sentence of up to 6 months.
The authority regulates the agriculture, shellfish and processing and packing sectors.
The following commencement orders have been made for this act:
The bill was supported by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.