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UK – Government launches consultation into overseas-only job adverts

31 July 2014

Following an announcement earlier this week by Prime Minister David Cameron, the government has launched a consultation on banning overseas-only advertising for jobs. According to the consultation, the current recruitment sector legislation does not regulate where job vacancies are advertised.

As a result, some recruitment agencies and employment businesses may be advertising jobs in other EEA countries without giving workers in Britain the opportunity to apply.

The recruitment sector is regulated by the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003 (the Conduct Regulations). According to the consultation paper, the legislation does not currently regulate where employment agencies and employment businesses place advertisements for vacancies. 

Commenting on the allegations made by the Prime Minister, Kevin Green, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), said: “British agencies should be listing all vacancies in Britain and in English. Advertising exclusively overseas is already prohibited under the existing Equality Act and we have not seen any evidence that it is happening. Anyone with evidence should contact us so we can investigate. Any discriminatory practice in this area must be stopped and we will work with BIS (the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills) on this consultation and with all government departments and political parties to uncover and address any evidence of such behaviour.” 

The government is currently seeking views from a wide range of stakeholders, including employment agencies and employment businesses, employers, labour providers, trade bodies, and individuals who use the recruitment sector to find work.

The closing date for responses to the consultation is 2 September 2014. The government will publish a summary of the responses within 12 weeks of the closing date. 

To read more about the consultation, and find out how to submit your views, click here