Online job boards remain in confusion regarding their position in relation to the new Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations (EAA Regs), which came into effect in the UK on 6th April this year. Larry Cucchi, Director of International Operations for Peopleclick, the global leader in workforce management technology and services, believes that further explanation is needed to clarify the position of job boards.
ìThere are a number of different possible interpretations of the new regulations, but at present the requirements of the new policies appear to be incompatible with how online job boards operate,î says Cucchi.
Online job boards are a quick and easy way for hirers to find the right candidate, and for job seekers to reach a large number of potential employers. The EAA Regs demand, however, that employment businesses such as job boards, cannot introduce a work-seeker to a hirer unless they have determined whether the candidate is willing to work for the company. They must also obtain confirmation of identity and evidence of any training or qualifications.
ìJob boards are essentially IT tools and therefore not equipped to carry out the requirements of the regulations that necessitate human intervention, such as checking passports for identification purposes,î believes Cucchi. ìJob boards play a valuable role in the recruitment process by filtering the most appropriate candidates for employers. Recruiters can focus on other core job responsibilities, rather than wasting time and money reviewing the CVs of a large number of candidates who do not match the job profile.î
Cucchi concludes: ìFrom now until August, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is collating comment and information on the regulations. It is in the interest of those in the industry to contact the DTI with their input, so that we can help to shape how the regulations are applied and ensure the market is not adversely affected. Regulation of online recruitment is to be welcomed, but only if it addresses the specific requirements of the industry, whilst simultaneously allowing job boards to achieve what they were designed for and what they do best ñ bringing the right candidate and the right employer together.î
To get more information on the new regulations, call the DTI helpline on 0845 955 5105.
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