The director of a recruitment firm has been banned from running a similar business for seven years after withholding wages from staff.
Christine Lewiss from Trimmingham near Norwich ran two recruitment firms, Rail Recruit UK Ltd and Rail Recruit UK Projects Ltd, which supplied employers with rail workers. The action was taken against her following an enquiry by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS), which is part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
During a hearing at the Norwich Employment Tribunal, it came to light that Lewiss had withheld wages from workers totalling more than £11,000. As a result, under Section 3A of the Employment Agencies Act 1973, she was banned from running or being involved in the running of an employment agency or business for seven years.
Ed Davey, the coalition government Minister responsible for employment relations, said: “This verdict should act as a warning signal to agencies who exploit their workers. We will take action against rogue recruiters in Norfolk, and across the country, who flout the law and undermine the vast majority of agencies who play fairly.”
The EAS brought the case after having successfully prosecuted Lewiss in June 2009 at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court, which resulted in her being ordered to pay back the withheld wages as well as £1,000 in costs.
- If you want to see some examples of recruitment companies getting it right, come along to the recruiting unconference next week before the National Online Recruiting Awards.
