The Employment Relations Minister has recently been warnings employment agencies against using the recession to mistreat vulnerable workers.

Pat McFadden visited a hospitality recruitment specialist – Admiral Group in London’s West End, and gave the following speech: “The vast majority of agencies are working very hard to treat people fairly. I have seen at first hand today an agency that treats its clients and candidates with respect.

“But there are some employment agencies who are short changing their staff and not playing by the rules. We will not allow rogue employers to use the downturn as an excuse to cut corners and deprive staff of their rights at work - or undercut other businesses that are doing the right thing. The recession is no excuse to mistreat vulnerable workers.”

“Our call for fairness is backed up by action. Our £1.25 million campaign to help agency workers know their rights and help employers know their responsibilities is already paying dividends. The number of calls to the Employment Agency Standards helpline has tripled in recent weeks and the website has had 57,000 hits since the launch of the campaign.”

“Over recent months, we have doubled the number of Employment Agency Standards inspectors and extended their powers so that they can crack down on rule-breakers. The team has had some good successes, but we recognise that there is still more to do.”

Dealing with ‘Rogue Businesses’

Other people have also had similar things to day about the mistreatment of workers. For example, Kevin Green, who is chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Federation said the following:

“As the representative body for the whole recruitment industry, the REC is delighted that the Minister is getting a firsthand view of the critical service that the vast majority of legitimate and law-abiding agencies such as Admiral provide for workers and businesses on a daily basis. The REC has led the calls for greater enforcement from Government for many years and welcomes the aims of addressing rogue businesses that exploit workers and undercut agencies that are adhering to industry Codes of Practice and regulation.”

The Admiral Group seems to be getting things right. One worker has been a waiter with Admiral since August 2007, and had the following to say about the group:

“The flexibility of agency work suits me best. I’m very happy with Admiral, but this campaign recognizes that agency workers play an equally important role as long term employees. This campaign will further help ensure everyone is treated fairly and with respect as an agency worker.”

What Do You Think?

Are agencies mistreating workers? If so, what should be done to stop them taking advantage of the economic crisis? Leave your comments here.

Our Random Articles

• Small businesses plan staff cuts in early 2012
• Unemployment rise – what does this mean for small businesses?
• The Mary Portas Review
• Experts Warn Small Firms of the Need to be More Aware of IT Security Risks
• SMEs Unprepared for New Pension Reforms

More Links