The government has launched a consultation about proposed changes to the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.
These govern the conduct of the private recruitment industry and set minimum standards for employment agencies and employment businesses in Great Britain.
The new measures are designed to clarify lines of responsibility between agencies and hirers, further reduce regulatory burdens, target abuse and ensure that essential protections remain in place for the most vulnerable agency workers.
The two areas the government wants to examine in relation to vulnerable workers are:
- the abuse of upfront fees in the entertainment and modelling sector
- the issue of temporary workers employed via umbrella companies.
With regard to clarifying lines of responsibility and reducing regulatory burdens it is seeking views on:
- suitability checks for permanent recruitment
- requirements to agree terms with work-seekers and hirers
- requirements when placing advertisements.