Trusting someone else with your staffing requirements is always a little nerve-wracking. There are many benefits to using labour hire but you want to make sure your provider is reputable so here are some simple questions you should be asking your labour hire provider.
Are you a registered Labour Hire provider?
All labour hire companies now need to have a Labour Hire License and as an added professional industry standard should be members of the RCSA (Recruitment, Consultancy & Staffing Association) RCSA Members must uphold the highest standards of ethics and honesty at all times. If you labour hire provider is working under a code of conduct it ensures both your company and your staff member/s are treated professionally at all times.
How do you recruit?
This is important for you to get a basic understanding of the agency’s recruitment process. Ask how the company selects candidates. What processes do the candidates go through ie; interviewing, skill testing, reference checking etc. How do they ensure they have the correct qualifications you may be looking for. Does the agency conduct background screening? Do they have an ongoing relationship with your candidates?
What are your pricing and terms and conditions of employment
Obviously the charge rate that an agency commands is very important to you and your company’s bottom line but you can delve a bit deeper. Ensure that your labour hire provider provides for penalty rates, overtime, travel or tool allowances etc. Agencies suppling labour hire also should be running under relevant industry applicable awards so keep in mind that labour hire organisations that offer you a flat rate regardless of type of work may not be following applicable laws.
How do you deal with Safety in the Workplace?
If the Agency you are considering does not comply with health and safety obligations and responsibilities, you, as the host organisation may be held liable for accidents and there are penalties and liabilities that you’ll face for non-compliance. Ensure your labour hire provider has an sound understanding of WHS. They should be asking to complete a site inspection and requesting you for documentation in regards to your onsite workplace health and safety processes and inductions. All candidates prior to attending your workplace should be conducting some form of safety inductions for the labour hire company as well as your own site specific one.
How are any performance issues or dismissals handled?
This is something you can certainly have a say in or can negotiate with the labour hire company. Management of staff is really whatever makes you comfortable but ultimately it is the labour hire company’s responsibility to have the tough conversation. Where possible any issues relating to wages, performance or dismissal should be dealt with by the employer, in this case, if they are on hired, it is the labour hire company. Discuss this with the agency and think about what works best for you.
These are a few basic questions you should be asking in considering your labour hire company. If you need further details, I’m happy to answer any queries you may have. Jenelle, Senior Consultant Temporary Personnel & Labour Hire, EastCoast HR Group 07 5443 6022.
