LEAF, the Local Employment Agencies Forum created last month to
voice concern over proposed changes to employment law, has appointed
GPC.
In July the DTI proposed changes to tighten up employment laws, in
particular to scrutinise the procedure in which temporary agency workers
become full-time staff, which results in a finder’s fee for the
agency.
GPC was hired without a pitch as a result of director Claire Weaver’s
involvement in advising the forum. LEAF represents 14 independent
employment agencies in London and the South of England.
GPC and LEAF will argue that the government proposals would drastically
affect independent employment agencies’ business and discriminate
against the long-term unemployed and young mothers returning to
work.
’The Government is trying to make sure that temporary workers are fully
protected and that cowboy agencies are eliminated but in its current
form the legislation is inflexible for small operators,’ said
Weaver.
The deadline to respond to the consultation document is next month.
Between now and then, GPC will meet with MPs, opinion-formers and DTI
officials to make them aware of the industry concerns.
The appointment of GPC is currently on a project basis, but LEAF is
expected to continue after September to combat future employment law
issues and GPC is then expected to be appointed on a retainer basis.
