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ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ACT
Employment Agencies
The growth of employment agencies over the past few years has
been phenomenal.
The service offered by agencies has at times been severely
criticised as 'obtaining money under false pretences'. At present
a working party representative of the London Boroughs is studying
various problems connected with employment through agencies
and a report is expected soon.
Are agencies necessary? This can only be answered by those
who avail themselves of the services offered and judging by the
expansion in the agency field the answer must be yes. Certainly
there have been no complaints of any nature during the year
concerning any aspect of agency business in Havering.
There are two types of placement that agencies deal with,
permanent and temporary. Controlling legislation at present only
requires licensing in respect of permanent placings. While the
great majority of agency work is temporary placements they seek
a licence so that in the event of a temporary employee accepting
a permanent position with the employer to whom she has been
loaned, the agency can then claim the appropriate placement fee.
Why do employers engage agencies to find them staff rather
than do it themselves? Convenience is the prime consideration
and possibly cost second. To advertise in the press, select a
shortlist, hold interviews and notification to both successful
and unsuccessful applicants all takes time. At the end of it all
the person appointed will have to work notice with the present
employer.
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