Fiji has adopted an important convention in January to help regulate the staffing market. The republic in the South Pacific adopted the ILO convention 181 on 21 January, the international confederation of private employment agencies, Ciett, announced on Tuesday.

This is the third ratification in recent months which has seen both Israel and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia taking on the adoption in late 2012. Ciett said: “This confirms C181's status as an up-to-date regulatory instrument.”

The convention legally recognises and supports the development of staffing firms in the labour market. It also helps to improve working conditions for agency workers and stops staffing companies from charging fees to workers.

“Countries which have ratified C181 allow for the sound development of private employment agencies through licencing systems and offering protection of workers, fair treatment and the opportunity for freedom of association and social dialogue,” said Ciett.