Employment Relations Minister Jo SwinsonInspectors from the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) led a number of successful visits to businesses in the Sheffield area between 9 and 12 February 2015. EAS inspectors were accompanied by officers from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC’s) National Minimum Wage (NMW) team.
During the course of the targeted inspection of 15 employment businesses, EAS identified 32 potential breaches of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, as well as a potential breach of the Employment Agencies Act 1973.
The majority of the breaches found relate to the terms being issued to either the work-seeker or hiring company, or information that they were required to collect and pass on to the work-seeker or hirer.
Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson said:
“I am delighted to see the success of this operation and endorse this joint approach by the enforcement bodies. The advice and guidance given on these visits ensures that employment businesses that are reputable become compliant, while those who ignore this advice could be subject to legal proceedings.
“It is important that all employment agencies abide by the law. We must make sure that we protect temporary workers and create a level playing field for the vast majority of employment businesses who play by the rules.”
The decision to target Sheffield was based on EAS risk assessment data and additional information from HMRC’s NMW team.
The Pensions Regulator also took part in this visit which builds on previously successful joint visits undertaken by EAS and the NMW team. In light of the success of these visits, all parties will review the information and look at other potential areas to target for future joint operations.
