How to Complain About a Recruitment Agency
Disputes with recruitment agencies: fee disputes, misleading job adverts, contract issues. Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate route.
Recruitment agencies are regulated by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS), part of the Department for Business. If an agency has charged you prohibited fees, misled you about a role, withheld wages, or breached the Conduct Regulations, you can complain to the EAS.
Key protections: agencies cannot charge work-seekers for finding them work (with limited exceptions in the entertainment and modelling sectors). They must provide clear written terms, must not withhold pay, and must not prevent you from working elsewhere.
If you are an agency worker and believe you are being treated less favourably than permanent staff in pay or conditions after 12 weeks in the same role, you may have rights under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010. Contact ACAS for advice.
Key Legislation
- Employment Agencies Act 1973
- Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003
Key Deadlines
- EAS complaints: no fixed deadline
- Agency Workers Regulations: 12-week qualifying period