Inspectors have uncovered instances of failing to pay workers, and other non-compliances, following a targeted enforcement operation focused on the construction sector throughout October.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ (BIS) Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (EAS) visited 58 agencies in England, Scotland and Wales, while EAS inspectors identified two construction agencies that had failed to pay nearly £30,000 to a total of 39 workers for the hours that they had worked.

EAS secured payment for the workers in full and say they are currently considering whether legal action should be taken against the agencies involved. On average, EAS found six infringements of the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 at each agency, although most of these were low risk paper infringements.

Inspectors offered advice and guidance where non-compliance was found, while agencies have been given warning letters and three weeks to amend their business practices.

Edward Davey, employment relations minister, says: “I am delighted to see the successful results of the EAS’s recent operation. A vibrant and well-run private recruitment sector is a vital part of this country’s economy. I am determined to see employment businesses complying with the law in the construction sector and elsewhere.”

Using the information gained during this operation, EAS will be issuing further guidance for the construction sector to support business and raise levels of compliance.