Do I need a licence or other registration to run an employment agency or business?
In most cases you will not require a licence or other registration to run an employment agency or business in the UK.
- The Conduct Regulations: Agencies in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) must comply with the Employment Agencies Act 1973 (EAA 1973) and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (the Conduct Regulations) but there is no requirement to be licensed under this legislation. In Northern Ireland the equivalent legislation is the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005.
- The GLA regulated sector: Agencies operating in the GLA regulated sector are required to have a GLA licence. Agencies supplying labour for the purpose of agriculture or the processing and packaging of agricultural produce, fish or shellfish are governed by the Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004, the Gangmasters Licensing Standards and the Gangmasters (Licensing Conditions) Rules 2009 which replicate, to a large degree, the provisions of the Conduct Regulations. Agencies operating in Northern Ireland are subject to similar legislation.
- Registration of nursing and domiciliary care agencies: The registration requirements differ depending on whether you provide your service in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
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