Recruitment agency director banned

A director of a recruitment firm supplying rail workers has been banned from running an employment agency for seven years after she unlawfully withheld wages.

The ruling by Norwich Employment Tribunal followed an investigation under the 1973 Employment Agencies Act by the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (EAS), part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The tribunal heard how Christine Lewiss, from Trimmingham, near Norwich, withheld wages from workers totalling more than £11,000. The offences were committed by two companies she operated — Rail Recruit UK Ltd and Rail Recruit UK Projects Ltd.

The EAS brought the case having successfully prosecuted Lewiss in June 2009 at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court. This resulted in her being ordered to pay back withheld wages and £1,000 costs.

Employment relations minister Ed Davey said: “This verdict should act as a warning signal to agencies who exploit their workers. We will take action against rogue recruiters in Norfolk, and across the country, who flout the law and undermine the vast majority of agencies who play fairly”.

Under the Act, employment tribunals may prohibit individuals, companies or partnerships, from carrying on, or being concerned with the carrying on, of an employment agency or an employment business for a period of up to 10 years on grounds of misconduct.

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