First Point International was banned for ten years, David Webster for 8 years, Geoffrey Burman for 5 years and Atlantic and Pacific Investments for 3 years. The bans come after a hearing today at the North London Employment Tribunal and a successful appeal earlier this year by the DTI against a decision by the same Tribunal not to impose a ban. The Employment Appeal Tribunal decided on 15 May that all four defendants are unsuitable to be concerned with any employment agency but referred the case back to the North London Tribunal to decide on the length of the ban. My advice is never pay a fee in advance to an employment agency on a promise to find you work. Too many people have paid out thousands of pounds to companies like First Point International and received little or nothing for their money.
Employment agencies have a major role to play in the workplace.
Well-run agencies have a positive role in finding people work and of making a significant contribution to this country's economy. Except in the modelling and entertainment industries, it is illegal for employment agencies to charge workers for finding them work or for seeking to find them work. First Point International Limited was initially convicted in proceedings brought by DTI Employment Agency Inspectors at Bow Street Magistrates Court on 4 March 1998 for demanding and receiving money from a worker who was seeking employment abroad. The agency advertised in national newspapers and on the Internet. Its adverts promised overseas job offers and visas.