Rogue recruiters

[curleyted]

A BBC Radio Scotland investigation has found how some rogue recruitment agencies are using dirty and illegal tricks to boost business.

Tell us something new

[Azeey]

It always amazes me that some news sources still report this as if it's all newly discovered.

Anyone that has ever dealt with a recruitment agency probably knew all this already!

[lurch]

You're not wrong, most blatant I heard of was calling contractors working through a rival agency pretending to be their employer and telling them that the work had finished, then calling them later to offer them work.

The agency that was getting screwed over even instituted a passphrase policy to combat it.

[JeffreyC]

One of my contractors happens to, due to the nature of his role, also deal with his own contract. Basically, he found the role direct but due to the nature of government procurement regs he had to go through an agency.

He was more than happy with the setup, though obviously annoyed that a cut of his daily rate was being taken for the agency doing flip all.

About 10 months in to his contract there was talks of a renewal, and he received a phone call from one of the people at the agency. It basically went like this:

"I'm just calling about John Smith's contract, would you be the best person to speak to?"
"Yes"
"OK... John has said that on renewal he wants a 20% increase in his daily rate"

Now.... he had done no such thing. It was just the agency trying it on. And potentially jeopardising his renewal with false demands! The big question is:

If the they had actually spoken directly to the client

And the client thought "Mr Smith has done a sterling job"

And agreed to the rate increase

Would have the agency told him about it

Or just pocketed the extra margin?


Answers on a postcard

[zara_blackdog]

Don't think that even needs a postcard does it?

Another one I have been made aware of is if more then one agency adverises the same role ( can happen is they are on the preferred supplier list)

Agen 1 will say to most of the people who reply I will put you forward, even if the don't - stops you going to the other agent.

[Bel]

Originally Posted by zara_blackdog

Don't think that even needs a postcard does it?

Agen 1 will say to most of the people who reply I will put you forward, even if the don't - stops you going to the other agent.

This is a good point to raise, Zara. This is an example of recruiter bad practice and is unfair on applicants and hirers who are denied the chance to see all the best candidates for advertised roles.

I suggest responding to work adverts as soon as they're posted, follow up with enquiry phone call to make sure that you are dealing with the client account manager (not a resourcer) get them to tell you who the client organisation is before you agree representation rights and then get the recruiter to confirm in writing that they've represented you to the hirer.

Not foolproof, I know, but better than not doing anything at all.

[LaFéeVerte]

Has anyone else had issues with their agency not paying them? I'm having a nightmare at the mo!

[hugo@gabem]

Have they given you a reason? Also is it a long term thing or are you just in trouble this weekend?

There have been a number of problems around the country with agencies not paying, 9 were fined in Manchester just recently.

[Beefy198]

Originally Posted by LaFéeVerte

Has anyone else had issues with their agency not paying them? I'm having a nightmare at the mo!

What's the story? Let us know and we'll do our best to advise (can people please refrain from suggesting visiting the agency with a Molotov cocktail)

[CliveP]

Originally Posted by LaFéeVerte

Has anyone else had issues with their agency not paying them? I'm having a nightmare at the mo!

Frequently. My current agency pays 45 days after the invoice has been submitted and even then they don't pay on time. Fortunately, I have a very good relationship with my agent who usually sorts out the accounts department. It' is a little tiring though, as every month I have to chase. What are you doing about it?