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An Overview of the Employment Agency Regulations Bill 2009

The current licensing system governing the operation of the employment agency sector in Ireland is underpinned by the Employment Agency Act 1971 which has been in place for more than 35 years.

The Employment Agency Regulation Bill proposes to modernise and improve the regulation of employment agencies and it is a response to commitments agreed under the social partnership agreements towards 2016. The primary purpose of the Bill is to focus on the licensing and regulation of employment agencies which supply agency workers to an end user, or hirer, undertaking in Ireland. It provides that it will be an offence for an employment agency to carry on its business in the State if it is not licensed or a recognised employment agency.

The Bill provides for the designation by the Minister, after consultation with an advisory committee, of a code of practice. The code will set out the practices and standards of behaviour including practical guidance to employment agencies for the purposes of complying with the provisions of the Act and any regulations made under it. The code will be an instrument to guide best practice in the employment agency sector.

The proposed advisory committee will also advise on the ongoing operation of the new legislation and the employment agency sector generally. The advisory committee will include representatives of the social partners and other interested parties, including the agency sector, departmental nominees and ministerial appointments.

If you operate an Employment Agency and you wish to know more about the proposed Bill, or require additional information in respect of regulatory compliance contact our Employment Law Department at Malcomson Law.

For further information, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or by filling out an Online Enquiry Form.

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