New government regulations will give IT professionals and employers greater protection from sharp practice by unscrupulous recruitment agencies.
The Employment Agencies Regulations, which came into force last week, will require agencies to check that applicants for IT vacancies have the skills and experience employers are looking for.
Changes to the regulations
- Advertising false jobs outlawed
- Employers will be able to hire contractors as permanent staff after an eight-week wait
- Agencies will not be able to prevent contractors working for other agencies
- Contractors have to be given details of posts, including terms and conditions, in advance in writing
- Terms between agencies, employers and contractors will be spelled out clearly
- Agencies cannot refuse payment to contractors if they cannot produce authenticated timesheets
They will also outlaw the practice, common among some recruitment agencies, of advertising non-existent jobs as a way of building up databases of job-hunting IT professionals.
David Lipworth, senior associate at London law firm Baker & McKenzie, said the regulations would make it more difficult for unscrupulous agencies. "Advertisements will have to specify the nature of the work, the location and the required experience and qualifications," he said.
The regulations, which carry criminal penalties and fines of up to £5,000, will be enforced by the Department of Trade & Industry. Employers and IT staff will be able to take civil action against agencies that do not comply.
More Details from:Computer Weekly Article