All reputable agencies in the UK should be a member of the REC - so check
this out when considering signing on board with an agency.  Unfortunately this
isn't always a guarantee to not come into contact with the sharks that lurk, as they
do in any business area.  So what do you do if you think your being misused,
misinformed, underpaid or taken advantage of?

There are a couple of options you can consider - but first try and sort things out directly with
the agency itself. Indicate you are unhappy and will take matters further if your issues aren't
addressed.  If they are part of a larger chain of agencies, consider going to lay a complaint with
the senior management at their head office.  It's always good policy to be registered with more
than one agency as well - so if you are getting no joy with a particular agency, vote with your feet
and take your business elsewhere; remember, they don't make any money of you if they don't
successfully place you. Search our recruitment directory for a new agency to try.

If you have friends already working in the UK, ask their advice on agencies they've worked through, rather
than going with the unknown - and you may be able to save yourself issues at a later date.  

If all else fails, you can gain free advice at the Citizen's Advice Bureau.  The office that deals mainly with
employment complaints and disputes is at

20 Snowdown Close
Avenue Road
Penge
LONDON
SE20 7RU

or you can phone them at: 020 8778 0921

The other office you can try is the Low Pay Unit (for Economic and Social Justice), who deal
with issues such as if you think you are being unfairly paid for a job you are doing, or are not
sure about your employment rights.

Their Contact details are:

London Office: 0207 713 7583
Email: lowpayunit@aol.com

Scotland Office: 0141 221 4491
Email: unit@aol.com