Worcestershire, England, United Kingdom (AHN) – Britain’s Gangmasters Licensing Authority has rescued seven Romanian children working in freezing temperature in a Worcestershire onion field.

The two boys and five girls between the ages nine and 15 were rescued with 50 adults who were all improperly dressed for the cold. Some of the rescued children were with their parents.

The GLA, which oversees the entry of agriculture workers in Britain, also found a small group of Indian workers in the same onion fields, but their licensed gangmaster was around. The Romanian children are with social services, which is trying to establish their identity and their parents.

The GLA said it is the first time that the agency found children working in fields in Britain, although they had heard reports of child labor, which is in violation of British laws. U.K. mandates a minimum working age of 14, similar to European Union regulations. Britain permits 13-year olds to work in special circumstances.

The GLA, in the middle of this year, amended its policy of granting single licenses for multiple businesses. Beginning Sept. 1 until March 1, 2011, existing multiple license holders are expected to apply for separate licenses when they renew their permits during this period. However, the new rule does not apply to companies with multiple branches if they belong to the same business group.

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