Employment Agencies

The Department is responsible for regulating the conduct of employment agencies and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Legislation

All employment agencies and businesses must comply with the:

In the main the Regulations require employment agencies and businesses to make more detailed checks on their clients to ensure that they are suitable for vacancies; tighten controls on client accounts; clarify requirements to keep records and tighten restrictions relating to charges and fees.

The Department recently consulted on proposals to amend the 2005 Conduct Regulations. This consultation closed on 24 September 2007. The consultation document is still available for download.The Department published an analysis to this consultation and the Departmental Response to these on 14 January 2008. The amending Regulations will come into operation on 6th April 2008.

Guidance

We have produced the following guidance in relation to the Regulations:-

Enforcement

The Department can enter and inspect the premises and records of all employment agencies and businesses in Northern Ireland to ensure compliance with the Regulations.  Inspections are carried out routinely or upon receipt of a complaint.  Serious or repeated breaches of the legislation will be prosecuted and, in some cases, we may seek to prohibit an agency from operating.

Complaints

The Department will investigate all complaints regarding breaches of the legislation. Should you wish to make a complaint please complete our online complaint form.

You can also send written details of your complaint to:

Department for Employment and Learning
Employment Rights Branch
Adelaide House
39-49 Adelaide Street
BELFAST
BT2 8FD