After a gap of some 9 months, BEIS has announced the appointment of a new Director of Labour Market Enforcement – Margaret Beels OBE takes up the role with immediate effect.
She brings extensive industry experience, having been Chair of Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) since 2011, where Margaret led on work to tackle and prevent modern slavery and labour exploitation – and which she was honoured with an OBE for in 2020.
As well as setting the annual labour market enforcement strategy, Beels will also set the direction for the 3 existing labour market enforcement bodies:
- Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate
- Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
- HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Team
Her initial priorities will include supporting the formation of a single enforcement body and of particular interest to IWORK, the development of regulation for the umbrella sector. Given our expertise in umbrella compliance, we have already written to Margaret Beels to arrange a meeting so that we can collaborate in ensuring any new umbrella regulation is fit for purpose.
The appointment looks set to be very positive, particularly as Margaret’s background at GLAA gives her strong expertise and insight into issues affecting vulnerable workers.
