Is a Recruitment Agency allowed to charge a job seeker for finding employment?

After receiving numerous phone calls and emails on if we charge for finding job seekers employment, I think we must make it very clear to job seekers in South Africa the legal stance on this point.

IT IS COMPLETELY ILLEGAL FOR AN AGENCY TO CHARGE A FEE FOR REGISTRATION OR FOR FINDING EMPLOYMENT - SHOULD YOU COME ACROSS ANY AGENCY CHARGING YOU CAN REPORT THEM TO THE NEAREST DoL OFFICE.

The labour department sets out the following:

Regulations passed under the Skills Development Act (1998)

This Act clearly sets out rights and obligations for PEA's to ensure that the industry is regulated in acceptable manner.

Among others, the regulation states that an employment service shall not:

• Charge fees to work seekers exceeding a registration fee of R1.  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.
• Charge an amount for an advertisement that the agency may have placed in a publication in addition to the above mentioned amount unless authorized by the work seeker.

Jobseekers are therefore advised to remain vigilant at all times and to report any suspicions of irregularities to the nearest Department of Labour offices.

There are many fake recruiters out there, be vigilant. Before applying for a specific post advertised ensure that the agency is legitimate.