Every industry has its share of underhand people. It seems a fact of life that once there is money involved someone, somewhere, will try to find a way to get it without doing a good job. Sadly, the recruitment industry also has had and probably continues to have, it’s share of those who indulge in everything from sloppy professionalism through to sharp practice and even downright fraudulent activity.
When it comes to recruitment, the effects of malpractice tend to feel more personal. Firstly, this is our industry, and of course it is infuriating when people tarnish its reputation, but mostly because of who is affected. The people who really suffer are the victims. The ones who, through inexperience or clever manipulation, lose out financially and in terms of their job seeking opportunities, often at a very difficult time.
SAFERjobs initiative
The SAFERjobs initiative has been instigated to cut down and hopefully eradicate criminal activity in the recruitment industry by bringing together interested parties in an effort to really tackle the issues. On the SAFERjobs website, you will find a range of information about the various methods that are used to scam and cheat jobseekers and the wider recruitment
Over the years we have seen many instances where jobseekers have had a bad experience with unethical “so-called” recruiters. There is no nice way to dress that up; it is simply taking advantage, and in many cases criminal activities. A good recruiter will never seek to use the client or candidate in any way other than for the best result for both.
Some things that should sound warning bells are:
- Unexpected costs – Mysterious admin charges or search fees should not be part of the process. If you are being asked for money just too help you find a job, then something may be wrong.
- A Clear indication of what costs may be involved – Sometimes there are additional services for which there may be a charge, but be wary of compulsory costs, and, of course, you should have a clear idea in advance and the right to cancel or not use services.
- Withheld contract details – Regardless of your status or your working hours, you should have a contract. It makes absolutely no difference if you are part time, full time, temporary, contract or whatever, you should have written details of what your contract entails.
- The agency is paying you, not the hirer, so you have a right to be paid regardless of their financial state with the people you did the work for.
These are just a few of the more common ones you may come across. In the end, it is your rights, and they are upheld by UK law. That includes if you are not a UK national.
The Metropolitan Police, MPs, Government Departments such as DWP, Recruiters and just about every organisation involved in the employment chain are part of SAFERjobs, and we are members ourselves. We are members because we believe in the initiative, so we want to show our commitment to the job seeker and the industry that we love.
The link below will take you to the SAFERjobs website where you can learn more about how to protect yourself and the measures being taken to wipe out recruitment fraud.