1. How many people does the agency recruit from Poland every year?
In 2004 we employed over 500 Polish workers. This year we are looking to increase that figure to between 1000 and 1500. We have been very impressed with the reliability, work ethic and professionalism of the Polish workforce. With a reported 600,000 unfilled positions in the UK and most of the current unemployed almost unemployable, the new EU workforce has been a breath of fresh air.
2. What are the candidates’ language requirements?
When placing Polish workers in assignments, language skills can be the biggest problem. In the vast majority of cases a basic understanding of English is required, particularly for the more executive positions. Potential applicants with no spoken English will find it much harder to find work. They may be offered outside agricultural work which may not utilise their skills. This work can be low pay and is often very competitive for positions. More and more companies are tackling the language barrier and offering language classes after work, unfortunately this is still a minority but it reiterates the positive impact the Polish workforce is having within British industry.
3. What kind of work does the agency recruit people for?
Employ EU Ltd co-ordinates the recruitment of Polish and EU workers on behalf of the 70 specialist agencies within HRGO Plc. With offices throughout the UK our general high street agencies (Staffsign), provide semi-skilled and unskilled workers to the industrial, manufacturing and warehousing market sectors. Our technical division (Exectec) recruit skilled executive and technical staff, commercial division (PSB recruitment) assists with office and managerial positions and driving division (Drivers Elite) are very busy with the recruitment of professional drivers. Other markets include hospitality, hotel and catering, IT, finance and construction
4. What is the most unusual job you recruit for?
The most memorable position we successfully placed was a lion tamer. Other strange requests have included flour graders, milk monitors and banana sorters. Our recruitment group is so diverse that we can regularly recruit Merchant bankers through to chicken pluckers. We are monitoring Sven Goran Eriksson’s performance, as should Poland stop us qualifying for the world cup we would be happy to find his replacement!!
5. What are the advantages of using recruitment agency service?
The use of employment agencies is particularly common throughout British industry. Using an agency will enable candidates to get varied work opportunities, quickly and legally. This is a free service and certainly the easiest way to get on the employment ladder. It is important that you keep in regular contact with the agencies. Make an effort when registering, dress smartly and prepare references and any other relevant documents. If you do not get work within the first week become a polite pest.
6. Do recruitment agencies help in arranging formalities?
The majority do not help. As we have bi-lingual consultants in both Poland and England we are able to help with a lot of the arrangements. We also provide a fact sheet outlining the cost of living, cultural differences, wage and accommodation terms – this is constantly being updated as we want to provide as much useful information as possible to help support the Polish workforce. Wherever possible references, workers registration forms (WRS) and contracts are all completed in Poland.
7. Is the worker, whose job was found via the recruitment agency, entitled to have benefits?
All staff are entitled to 4 weeks paid annual leave. This is a statutory benefit so ALL employers have to pay this. This is accrued on a pro rata basis and the amount is based on the average basic hours worked. This is a health and safety requirement so staff have to take the time off to rest, the money cannot be paid in lieu. We will soon also be offering temp insurance for accidents at work. Many offices also run temp awards.
8. Is it possible to get promoted while working via the agency?
Yes definitely. Many temporary staff are offered permanent positions and there is also the option of further progression and promotion. Companies using high volumes of staff, for example manufacturing and agricultural businesses, often need line supervisors and team leaders.
9. Does the agency charge for using its service?
No, absolutely not – it is illegal to do so. We make our money from our clients not candidates. I am not surprised that you have asked this as I am aware of a number of Polish workers being exploited through agencies, gang masters and opportunists. We receive an e-mail or telephone call every day from someone offering to provide us Polish workers. Whilst I am sure that some of these organisations are above board many charge the candidate for putting them in contact with an agency, deduct some of their wages or exploit them on their accommodation arrangements. We feel very strongly about ethical and fair treatment of our candidates, after all they are our key asset. This is why we recently opened our own recruitment centre in Wroclawec and have employed bi-lingual staff in both Poland and England.
10. How long does it take to get the job after the candidate has been registered?
This naturally depends on the type of work being sought and geographical location. Our temporary unskilled requirements will increase by approximately 1000 over the next 3-4 months. In many cases once registered work can be immediate. Our Polish recruitment centre will be looking to fill requirements within 7 days. Other more skilled positions or permanent vacancies can take longer.
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