Minister launches consultation on employment agency laws

2 July 2007

The Department for Employment and Learning today launched a public consultation on proposals to help vulnerable agency workers and reduce bureaucracy for recruitment agencies.

The proposals include provision of new guidance for migrant workers on the cost of living in the United Kingdom; and giving workers the right to withdraw from certain agency services such as accommodation or transport, without suffering any detriment.  The Department also proposes the removal of the obligation on employment agencies to provide large amounts of information to work-seekers and employers for assignments lasting five days or less.

Commenting on the proposals Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “The Northern Ireland recruitment sector has made a significant contribution to the success of local businesses over recent years.  In turn, the Department has taken steps to put in place suitable protections for the growing number of the sector’s users, particularly work-seekers.   

“These new proposals seek to provide further safeguards for those workers who may be more vulnerable to abuse.  They also aim to help legitimate recruitment businesses by reducing statutory information requirements.”  

Other proposals include producing guidance for the entertainment sector to protect workers from unscrupulous individuals; and providing advice to agencies who supply drivers, warning them of the consequences in allowing drivers to work beyond their permitted hours.

The consultation will run until 24 September 2007.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The recruitment industry is regulated by the Department for Employment and Learning under the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1981 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations (NI) 2005.
  2. Departmental estimates put the number of NI employment agencies and businesses in excess of 300.
  3. The consultation document is available on the Department for Employment and Learning’s website at http://www.delni.gov.uk/changes-to-recruitment-industry-law-consultation external link
  4. Media queries to Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.