A SOUTHAMPTON gangmaster has been stripped of his licence for exploiting workers he provided to a Tesco food supplier.

Jagjit Singh, who ran Saphire Trading in Portswood Road, was said to have created an "atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the workplace".

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority said workers were subjected to "persistent and systematic exploitation" which placed them at risk of injury or death. Mr Singh controlled who worked, who got paid, and where they lived.

A GLA licence hearing was told Polish workers were afraid to give evidence for fear of losing their jobs or accommodation.

The authority said Mr Singh showed "a wholesale and blatant disregard of licensing standards". His licence was revoked for numerous serious breached of workers rights.

A seven week investigation found Saphire Trading withheld pay, illegally docked wages for travel and board, failed to provide proper pay slips, failed to register workers to avoid tax, housed workers in dangerous properties, and failed to provide health and safety training.

The GLA chairman Paul Whitehouse praised the courage of employees who helped with the investigation.

"It is the bravery of the workers who suffered at the hands of Saphire Trading in coming forward and making statements to the GLA that helped us to get this result," he said.

"Other workers who are in a similar situation should take note and contact us we will always treat information in confidence and protect their identity."

Saphire Trading provided around 100 workers to Barfoots of Botley. The Chichester-based firm, which has farms in Hampshire, says it is Europe's largest processor and packer of fresh sweetcorn products.

Tesco said it had been "very concerned" about the instances raised by the GLA.

Barfoots said it had sacked Saphire as a labour supplier. Saphire has ceased trading.

More than 1,200 labour labour providers hold a GLA licence. Ninety three have been revoked.