About us
The Fair Work Agency (FWA) is responsible for enforcing workers’ rights. We're a single point of contact for workers who believe their rights have not been upheld.
Who we are
The Fair Work Agency (FWA) is responsible for enforcing workers’ rights. We’re a single point of contact for workers who believe their rights have not been upheld.
We have the power to inspect, investigate and penalise businesses that do not uphold workers’ rights.
The agency was formed in April 2026.
It combines the powers of the former:
-
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
-
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate
-
National Minimum Wage enforcement team
-
Office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement
We employ over 150 staff based in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Salford and Nottingham.
The Fair Work Agency is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade.
Our responsibilities
We make sure that workers:
-
are paid the National Minimum Wage
-
are treated fairly by employment agencies
-
in agriculture and food are treated fairly by gangmasters (who provide workers to businesses)
-
are protected from serious labour exploitation and abuse, and those responsible are prosecuted
-
employers who ignore employment tribunal awards are fined and named
We help businesses to understand and comply with their legal responsibilities.
See the FWA enforcement statement for more information.
Our priorities
From 2026 to 2027, our priorities are:
-
a clearer, simpler system for workers and employers
-
more visible and impactful enforcement
-
operational and digital improvements
Corporate information
Access our information
Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.