Question About Recruitment Agencies

[katzone]

At the moment I am on Jobseekers Allowance and the jobcentre advised me yesterday to join some recruitment agencies.

DH is worried because his brother has used them in the past and sent him out for a weeks work here and there, one week he'd be working then nothing for a few weeks etc.

Surely the point of recruitment agencies is to match you with suitable jobs? So if I was to specify I would want a permanent job (or perhaps a temporary job with at least a 28 day contract) then they wouldn't/couldn't give me jobs for just a week or a few hours here and there?

Also do you think I should mention the fact I am pregnant?
I told the jobcentre yesterday and they didn't seem bothered.

 

[Louisandcoco]

The company I work for will only place you in a job if it's what you want. You can say yes or no to roles, and specify when you register exactly what you're looking for.

How far pregnant are you? If you're showing then you probs won't get away with not telling them. Also, it depends on your type of job for health and safety as to whether you tell them you're pregnant. X

 

[Kitten-B]

You can definitely say no to jobs you don't want, but obviously that will restrict how much work you do, and it may be the recruitment agency are then more likely to offer jobs to other candidates before you.

I mean surely every bit helps? I understand it may be difficult with JSA as it is takes time to get back on it if you do go off but surely you will make more working, even just a few days, and it is better not to claim benefits if you don't have to?

I have used recruitment agencies to get permanent jobs (as is common in my area), but I also signed up with a recruitment agency as a temp just after uni. They got me a job straight away and I stayed in it for 3 months - I ended the position as I wanted to go for Christmas for a month. The agency got me another job straight after and I stayed in it for about 3/4 months and left of my own choice. Both times I was offered permanent jobs out of it.

This sort of thing has happened to most of my friends who've used temp agencies, so I would say it is very likely the same may happy to you, so I wouldn't worry about a few days here and there.

I would definitely tell the agency that you are pregnant. Remember they are on your side and you are earning them money - I used them as much as I could (ie: even when I was sick I got them to phone the employer). They will know what is best in that respect but it shouldn't stop you getting work, as long as you are capable of it.

I don't what your circumstances are but if you do some work you may be able to qualify for maternity allowance after the birth for 39 weeks which would be well worth looking into? Otherwise you might get nothing?

 

[mamalove]

My sister in law worked for 6 months with the rec. agency and has maternity pay now,so it's worth trying.