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Recruitment agencies call for better advice and effective enforcement in the fight against illegal working

REC has responded to the Government’s consultation on prevention of illegal working. 

Commenting on the response Anne Fairweather, the REC's External Relations Manager said: “Better enforcement is the number one priority for recruitment agencies.  Our 2006 survey showed that recruitment agencies all too often see candidates with false papers.  Good recruitment agencies should be meticulous in checking a candidate’s ID, right to work and references. It is all part of the service of a professional recruitment agency. 

"But the quid pro quo is that the Government must crackdown on agencies and employers who knowingly use illegal workers as these undercut reputable businesses.”

In addition to enforcing the law, the Government should also improve its support service to businesses when dealing with the increasingly complex immigration system.  On this matter, Anne Fairweather said: “Feedback from our recruitment agency members shows great variation of experience of the Government’s employers’ helpline.  Advice given needs to be consistent and practical."

The REC supports the proposed new system whereby employers can receive information on individual cases rather than simply generic information as is currently the case.”