What laws and regulations govern recruitment compliance?
In the UK, there are several laws and regulations that govern recruitment compliance. Here is a list of some of the key ones:
- Equality Act 2010: This act is central to recruitment compliance as it protects job applicants and employees from discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Introduced in 2018, GDPR dictates how personal data of EU citizens should be handled. For recruitment, this includes how CVs, application forms, and other personal data are collected, stored, and processed.
- Data Protection Act 2018: This act complements the GDPR within the UK, setting out specific regulations regarding the processing of data. It is essential for employers to understand how this act affects the recruitment process, especially regarding candidates’ personal data.
- Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006: Employers must check that job applicants have the right to work in the UK before employing them. This act contains regulations regarding the prevention of illegal working.
- Employment Rights Act 1996: This act includes provisions relating to employment contracts, which are relevant during the recruitment process, especially when it comes to offering a position to a successful candidate.
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: This act allows some criminal convictions to be considered ‘spent’ after a rehabilitation period. It is crucial in the recruitment process, particularly when asking about a candidate’s criminal record.
- Agency Workers Regulations 2010: If you are employing individuals through an agency, these regulations give agency workers the right to the same basic employment conditions, such as pay and holidays, as direct recruits after they have worked for a qualifying period.
- Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992: This affects recruitment when trade unions are involved, ensuring that individuals are not denied employment due to being a member of a trade union.
- Working Time Regulations 1998: Though mainly affecting employment, it’s important for recruiters to be aware of these regulations regarding working hours, rest breaks and holiday entitlement as they can be relevant to contracts.
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: For roles involving working with children or vulnerable adults, this act requires that individuals undergo necessary background checks.
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: This legislation necessitates that employers ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees, which can include specific considerations during the recruitment phase for certain roles.
Understanding and complying with these laws and regulations is essential for any organisation engaging in recruitment within the UK. Compliance ensures a fair and legal process and protects both the organisation and the candidates involved.
About PEEQ HR Recruitment Agency
PEEQ is a specialist HR Recruitment Agency based in London. We partner with CEOs and business leaders to recruit high calibre HR professionals aligned to their purpose, who take ownership of employee wellbeing and enable our clients to achieve their business goals.
Why Choose PEEQ HR Recruitment Agency?
The average fill rate amongst HR Recruitment Agencies is 46%, but at PEEQ our average fill rate sits above 90%, So you are twice as likely to make a hire if you choose PEEQ.
This is due to two reasons:
Firstly, we only partner with our clients on an exclusive basis, so we ‘own the responsibility’
Secondly, we don’t employ recruiters. Instead, we work with trusted and proven freelance HR recruiters, to hire for our clients.
We give them the tools and infrastructure to be successful, and the rest is down to their magic and experience. Our Associates are not employed by us and only get paid for making a successful hire.
This makes them incredibly tenacious and committed to finding the best talent, which is why our fill rate sits above 90%, compared to the industry average of 46%.
More reasons to work with PEEQ
Psychometric insight reports
Obtain a unique insight into your candidates’ Cultural Fit, Strengths, Decision Making and Resilience through our accredited assessments.
Post-hire executive coaching
Set your hire up for success with a tailored coaching programme that helps them achieve their full potential personally and professionally.
Up to 6 Month Placement Guarantees
Confidently make your hire under our 2, 3 or 6 Month Placement Guarantee; safe in the knowledge that we’ll offer you a free replacement if they leave within our pre-agreed time period.
BeTalent Accredited Approach
We are proud to offer the BeTalent Accredited approach that enables us to deliver scientific candidate assessment, in accordance with the British Psychological Society standards.
This solution is for you if you want:
- An objective way to determine who is the best fit for your role
- A comprehensive understanding into your new hire before they start
- Peace of mind that you’ve made the right hiring decision
recruitment agency fees
Get in Touch with PEEQ HR Recruitment
We are here to help you. If you have any questions, queries or would like to discuss a potential hire, a job application, or require clarification on anything detailed on our website, then we would love to hear from you.
Please feel free to call, email or complete the form provided and we will assist you.
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