NEW laws to regulate gangmasters have been welcomed by Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, who was on the train in collision with a minibus in Charlton last summer.

The Gangmasters Licensing Bill passed unopposed through the House of Commons last week and will go to the House of Lords, where it should become statute.

Speaking in the Commons last Friday, Mr Luff said the Bill would probably not have prevented the Charlton accident but it should have been the wake-up call which prompted earlier action.

Mr Luff questioned whether gangmasters would have to prove their minibus drivers had insurance and driving licences when applying to the new Gangmasters Licensing Authority but was told these details would be fine-tuned at a later date.

"I regard the Bill simply as another brick in the wall of providing proper and better protection for workers and all the other benefits that will flow from a more effective system of control. The Bill is not the answer in itself," Mr Luff said.

"It will improve the situation considerably and will be welcomed by all reputable gangmasters. Sadly it seems that they are a dwindling band. The Bill is not a panacea, but it is a useful step in the right direction and I welcome it."

Mr Luff also paid tribute to Zad Padda, head of operations at labour-provider Fusion Personnel in Bretforton, who he said had put his personal security at risk by playing a leading role in bringing the issue to public attention.

Mr Padda said the new bill would make it illegal for gangmasters to operate without licences but the details of requirements for licence-holders like guidelines on working hours and pay were still to be finalised.

"We have to be optimistic and think that these things will have an effect but we still need to be vigilant. The licensing bill is a good start in an area which has been unregulated for so many years," he said.