New Protection For Users Of Recruitment Industry In Northern Ireland

29 December 2005
NEW PROTECTION FOR USERS OF RECRUITMENT INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND
New legislation to help protect the interests of the recruitment industry's customers here will be introduced in 2006.
Commenting on the new measures that will apply to both users and hirers within the sector, Employment and Learning Minister, Angela Smith said:
"The new powers of entry to and inspection of employment agencies and employment businesses are needed to ascertain compliance with regulations governing such bodies operating from premises in Northern Ireland. The Department will carry out a programme of targeted inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations and to act as a deterrent to unscrupulous organisations.
"The provisions are broadly in line with those already in force in Great Britain and I am convinced that these provisions will result in increased confidence for customers using the recruitment industry here in Northern Ireland."
Development of the proposals was informed by public consultation, which demonstrated broad support, including support from the recruitment industry itself, for the Order's provisions. The Order will come into operation on 14 January 2006.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2005 passed all stages at Westminster on 15 and 23 November 2005 and received formal approval at Privy Council, making it law on 14 December 2005. The provisions of the Order will come into operation on 14 January 2006.
2. Printed copies of the Order and associated Explanatory Memorandum may be purchased from The Stationery Office, Arthur Street, Belfast.
3. The Order and associated Explanatory Memorandum, as well as papers associated with the public consultation exercises which informed the development of the Order's provisions, are available on the Department for Employment and Learning web-site at http://www.delni.gov.uk.
4. For further information, please contact the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7492.

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