A HARD-hitting advertisement campaign has been launched in the two counties urging workers in the agriculture, horticulture and food/drink processing and packaging industries to report exploitative practices committed by gangmasters.

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority is behind the radio advertising campaign - believed to be the first one in Polish and Portuguese targeting such activity - which encourages people across Worcestershire and Hereford-shire to contact Crimestop-pers or themselves. The GLA will also be reminding labour providers they have until October 1 to get a licence or they will be committing an offence which carries a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000.

Mike Wilson, chief executive of the GLA said: "We believe our adverts in Polish and Portuguese aimed at workers are a first for commercial radio. Through this campaign we want to build up trust with the workers who will be protected by the GLA so they have the confidence to report the illegal gangmasters. We will use our powers to enforce the law."

Anyone who knows of any illegal gangmaster can contact the GLA on 0845 602 5020 during office hours, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 at any time.