Employment Law for Recruitment Agencies & Employment Businesses

Specialist employment law and regulatory advice for recruitment agencies and employment businesses, drawing on extensive experience advising the recruitment sector on employment law, the Conduct Regulations, IR35 and workforce issues.

Employment law advice for recruitment agencies and employment businesses

I advise recruitment agencies and employment businesses on the employment law issues that arise from running a flexible workforce, including worker and employee status, contracts and terms of engagement, holiday pay, working time, disciplinary and grievance issues, dismissals and Employment Tribunal claims. My advice is practical and commercially focused, taking account of the particular way in which recruitment businesses operate.

Conduct Regulations and recruitment sector compliance

I advise employment agencies and employment businesses on compliance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 and the wider regulatory framework governing the recruitment sector. This includes terms with clients and work-seekers, information requirements, restrictions on fees, transfer fees and extended hire periods, and other compliance issues arising in the day-to-day operation of a recruitment business.

IR35 and off-payroll working

I advise recruitment businesses on IR35 and the off-payroll working rules, including employment status, contractual arrangements, Status Determination Statements and responsibilities within the labour supply chain. I also advise on the practical and commercial risks arising from the use of personal service companies, umbrella companies and other intermediaries, helping recruitment businesses understand where responsibility and potential liability sit within the supply chain.

Fair Work Agency and recruitment sector compliance

IThe Fair Work Agency is now the state regulator for employment agencies and employment businesses in Great Britain, taking over the regulatory functions previously carried out by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and bringing the GLAA into the new enforcement structure. I advise recruitment businesses on compliance with the regulatory regime, responding to regulatory enquiries and investigations, and understanding how the Fair Work Agency's enforcement powers may affect their business.

Recruitment contracts, terms and commercial disputes

I advise recruitment agencies and employment businesses on their contractual arrangements with clients, candidates and workers, including terms of business, terms of engagement, transfer fees, introduction fees and restrictions designed to protect recruitment businesses where clients engage candidates or workers directly. I also advise on disputes concerning recruitment fees and the enforceability of contractual terms.

GLAA licensing and labour supply

I advise recruitment businesses and labour providers on licensing and compliance issues in sectors previously regulated by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), now within the Fair Work Agency. This includes advice on licensing requirements, compliance with licensing standards, inspections and investigations, and issues arising within labour supply chains.

Need advice for your recruitment business?

If you run a recruitment agency or employment business and need advice on employment law, IR35, the Conduct Regulations, Fair Work Agency compliance, GLAA licensing or another recruitment sector issue, contact me for an initial discussion about how I can help.

Contact Me