Margaret Beels appointed Director of Labour Market Enforcement

Margaret Beels OBE has today been appointed as Director of Labour Market Enforcement (DLME) to coordinate continued government efforts in stamping out exploitation in the workplace.

Taking up the role with immediate effect, Beels will oversee an annual assessment of the scale and nature of non-compliance in the labour market – from accidental breaches of the national minimum wage to more severe and deliberate crimes such as modern slavery.

Beels will also set the strategic direction for the 3 existing labour market enforcement bodies: the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate; the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority; and HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Team.

Margaret Beels brings with her extensive industry experience, having been Chair of Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) since 2011, where she led on work to tackle and prevent modern slavery and labour exploitation – and which she was honoured with an OBE for in 2020.

Minister for Labour Markets Paul Scully said:

“Clamping down on unscrupulous employment practices and protecting workers is an absolute priority for this government.

“As we continue to support workers and root out exploitation by rogue employers, Margaret’s experience will be invaluable, and I look forward to working with her in helping to build an economy that works for all.”