Employment agencies have broadly welcomed DTI proposals that will make it
easier for companies to take on agency staff permanently.
The DTI wanted to crack down on the high transfer fees, known as "temp
to perm fees", that agencies charge which can often put companies off
recruiting temps as full-time staff.
Under the proposals if agencies want to charge a fee they can agree an
extension of the hiring period with the company, after which the worker can be
taken on permanently without charging a fee.
Agency Blue Arrow said it welcomed the proposals and the remaining issue
would be to determine how long the hiring period could be extended for.
Adecco also welcomed the recommendations, but chief executive Richard Martin
added, "Obviously we will wait to see how many weeks of extended hiring
the Government proposes before finally giving our support."
