October 18, 2021
The government of Ontario has announced that it will be introducing legislation requiring temporary help agencies (THAs) and recruiters to be licensed.
Under the proposed changes:
- ESA Officers could levy penalties against an unlicensed THA or recruiter or a business who is using an unlicensed operator
- Penalties could be issued against unlicensed agencies and recruiters as well as the companies who use them, with proactive inspection measures to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
- Those who use deceitful recruiters could be required to repay workers for illegal fees charged.
- THAs and recruiters would be vetted before being issued a licence to operate.
- Applicants would need to provide an irrevocable letter of credit, that could be used to repay owed wages to workers.
If the legislation is passed, the government intends to require licences as early as 2024.
Click here to »» read the full government News Release
I hope you find this information helpful.
Please contact me with any questions you may have or for assistance working through your employment and labour law matters.