Agencies told to comply with employment law

Posted 26/08/2009

Recruitment agencies in the UK have been advised they will not be permitted to breach employment law.

Business minister Pat McFadden stated that in the last year, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate has been given more powers to ensure agency staff are treated fairly.

The action has been taken to prevent employees from facing problems such as not being paid or having money unfairly deducted from their wage packets.

Mr McFadden has therefore urged agencies to make sure they comply with legal requirements.

“The recession should not be used as an excuse to deny people their employment rights,” he commented.

Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, echoed his remarks, saying agencies must abide by the law and industry standards.

He added that many workers are currently using agencies as a means of getting back into the labour market.

The number of unemployed people in the UK now stands at 2.4 million – the highest level in 14 years.