Pole axed from firm's website

The recruitment firm behind a website specialising in supplying workers from Poland has agreed to change its name after coming under pressure from the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) for possible
The recruitment firm behind a website specialising in supplying workers from Poland has agreed to change its name after coming under pressure from the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) for possible contravention of the Race Relations Act.

Steve Lee, joint managing partner of Polish Workers, based in Reading, told Recruiter: "When we were first told by the CRE we may be contravening the advertisement provisions of the Race Relations Act, we were shocked. Provided that we make it clear the jobs are open to all, what is the problem?"

However, after taking legal advice, Lee said the company has agreed to act on the CRE's demands. The company will now be called Freelabour. In addition, Lee said that the company had agreed to make a number of changes to its website.

"The new website will make it clear that the jobs are open to any applicant regardless of colour, race, national or ethnic origins, and will state that its aim is to promote the free movement of labour within the EU", he said. The company has one month to comply, or face possible prosecution. The case suggests a more proactive approach by the CRE towards such 'niche' recruiters. Kasa Recruitment and Central European Staffing, both 'Polish specialists', have been contacted by the CRE in recent months.

A spokesperson for the CRE said it "had a duty to consider all complaints of discriminatory advertising". She added: "It is the CRE's policy to resolve these matters without course to litigation."

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