A group of protesters have been arrested for locking themselves in ManpowerGroup’s main office in Auckland. They were demonstrating against what they said were legally questionable employment contracts being offered by ManpowerGroup, reports Newshub.

In an investigation by Newshub, it was revealed that one of the clauses in Manpower's contract gives the company power to collect and pass on their workers' sexual preferences and practices, race, religious beliefs and political views.

The group of protesters, Auckland Action Against Poverty said Work and Income had been using Manpower Services to force beneficiaries into precarious work. They also stated that the contracts had no guarantee of hours, wages or location of work.

In a letter to Auckland Action Against Poverty, Manpower said the contract in question was mistakenly given to Work and Income clients and is no longer being used.

“We've come here today to make a demand both Manpower recruitment agencies and also the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to stop forcing people into precarious, exploitative work," protester Vanessa Cole told Newshub.

In a statement, ManpowerGroup ANZ Managing Director Richard Fischer said:

“In the last 24 hours we have seen significant disruption to our business in the form of protests and related threats made to our employees. The safety and care of our employees is paramount and we are taking intervention orders to prevent a reoccurrence of such unacceptable actions against our business.”

“I reject the claims about our business processes and contracts made by agitating groups who are deliberating disrupting our business. I would like to set the record straight on these matters. We continue to operate in an ethical and moral manner, as we have done in the market in New Zealand for over 20 years. As the leader of this business, I stand by this track record.”

“There has been a lot of public discussion around our contracts. I am satisfied that we have taken all steps necessary to ensure our contract complies with all relevant regulations, legislation and industry best practice. However, we are taking this opportunity to review all our contracts -as we do regularly as a matter of business practice. As part of that review, if necessary, we will take steps to ensure our contracts provide greater clarity for candidates.

“In relation to our privacy policy we reiterate that we DO NOT collect sensitive information about candidates that is not consistent and compliant with current laws, including privacy laws. We would only request personal information about a candidate when it is lawful and required for the role with the host employer. Any personal information we obtain, is obtained lawfully and is then protected under our privacy commitment.”