KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The Law
on Employment Agencies
Employment
agencies must comply with the minimum standards of conduct set
by the Employment Agencies Act
1973 and regulations.
If
you are a worker:
-
An
agency must not charge for finding or trying to find you work
(with some exceptions, mainly in entertainment and modelling)
-
An
agency employing you to do temporary work must give you written
terms, and must pay you, even if it has not been paid
-
An
agency which collects your pay from an employer must pass
it to you within ten days, unless you request otherwise.
Normally this only applies to entertainment and modelling.
If
you are a hirer:
- An agency
should check workers have any qualifications required by law
- An agency
should obtain enough information to show a worker is suitable
for the job.
Other
standards include:
- Advertisements
placed by an agency must state that fact
- Requirements
about what must and must not be included in written terms.
Under
the Act, persons running an employment agency can be banned from
doing so for up to ten years, for misconduct or other reasons.
An agency breaking the law can also be fined up to £5,000.
This
document shows only some of the regulations governing the agencies.
If you would like to know more, please call the helpline or read
Employment Agencies Act 1973:
Guidance on the Act and regulations (PL971).
You
can also write, or email us:
Employment
Agency Standards Inspectorate
Department of Trade and Industry (4140)
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
Helpline:
0845 955 5105
International: +44 20 7215 5980
Fax: 020 7215 2636
E-mail: eas@dti.gsi.gov.uk
for enquiries about Employment Agencies only.
For enquiries about
other employment rights, please contact ACAS.
The
Employment Agencies Act is there to protect all users of employment
agencies – workers, employers and hirers.
If
you feel you have been unfairly treated by an agency, or if you
want advice, call our helpline.
Our
inspectors investigate public complaints about agency conduct
and will take action against an agency if necessary.
If
you make a complaint to us
we will investigate fully and in confidence if you request. We
will tell you about our progress and results.
