Beware employment conmen
8 January 2004
Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has warned job seekers to report any employment agency asking for an upfront payment of more than R1 in return for helping them find a job, saying such practice is illegal.
Mdladlana said job seekers should report this practice to their nearest labour department office or labour centre.
The minister's warning was sparked by concerns about the rise of private employment agencies that take advantage of vulnerable job seekers, illegally charging exorbitant fees in return for possible recruitment.
"We wish to categorically put it on record that no agency is allowed by law to charge job seekers any amount exceeding R1 for registration," Mdladlana said.
An additional amount of 7.5% of the remuneration that the work-seeker receives at the end of the first month or a shorter period after obtaining a job is all that should be charged.
Mdladlana also pointed out that agencies are not allowed to
charge any other fee for an advertisement they may have placed in any publication unless authorised by the work seeker.
All legitimate agencies should be registered with the department and are provided with registration certificates for verification. The registration certificate should be prominently displayed in the agency's office.
The minister added that the department will conduct regular monitoring of employment agencies to ensure compliance.
Source: BuaNews
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