Controversial employment agency Transline is in talks for a rescue deal with private UK recruitment firm Assist Resourcing, reports Sky News. Last month it was reported that Transline submitted court documents in preparation for insolvency. The employment agency then extended its Notice of Intention amid talks of a rescue. Assist Resourcing, which became a subsidiary of the Russell Taylor Group in January 2017, could reach an agreement to take over Transline as early as next week.

The Russell Taylor Group was established in 2002 and is reported to have annual revenues in excess of £35 million, a fraction of Transline’s estimated £220 million. The Group consists of a portfolio of staffing businesses providing permanent recruitment, onsite flexible resourcing, and engineering and technical staffing solutions.

Transline has come under criticism from MPs over its temporary worker supply to Sports Direct.