This slap-dash approach to recruitment has always existed but with the market becoming increasingly competitive it is a problem that seems to have grown exponentially at the expense of all concerned, with the two greatest victims being the candidates themselves, and the reputation in general of our industry.

Below is part of a UK regulation that, as a UK based agency, we follow strictly. Essentially, it is very simple, as an agency we MUST tell our candidate the name of the firm that we wish to submit them to and give them details on the specific role.

Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 3319

The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003

19. Neither an agency nor an employment business may introduce or supply a work-seeker to a hirer unless it has obtained confirmation　-　

At GR Law we pride ourselves on not only meeting this minimum requirement but going beyond it. As a result we have built an enviable reputation in the industry for our high standards and refreshingly ethical approach to recruitment.
Unfortunately, many agencies ignore this completely and as a result candidate’s details are often submitted multiple times for the same role, resulting in embarrassment, confusion and disagreements between all parties.

Ultimately this leads to damage of trust between client and consultant, between consultant and candidate and even between candidate and their potential employer! A further and more distressing consequence of this is that the candidate’s application is often rejected missing out completely on what could have been a very suitable role for them.

Most firms of solicitors have policies in place to prevent this from happening, but unfortunately they rely heavily on their chosen agencies following not only the law, but having an ethical and moral approach to recruitment.

Until this is consistent throughout the industry, the best course of action for candidates and clients alike is to only work with an agency with a proven reputation that they can trust.