Eleven recruitment agencies have received warnings from the Employment Agency Standards (EAS) inspectorate after advertising for asbestos removal workers without having the proper Health and Safety Executive (HSE) licences.

Inspectors found that, although no workers had been placed, the agencies were not taking the necessary steps to prevent risk to them.  Consequently, the inspectorate issued warning letters.

Failure of any the agencies to tackle the non-compliance could result in criminal proceedings or a possible ban from trading of up to 10 years.

Parliamentary under-secretary at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Lord Young, said: “This operation shows that EAS acts quickly and effectively to protect both agency workers and the public.

“The government has done a lot to improve rights at work but it’s also essential to make sure these rights are properly enforced. A simple system for reporting abuses and giving advice and information to employers and workers is a critical part of that.

“The recession should not become an excuse to deny people their basic rights at work.”

Suppliers of agency workers can find further information on their legal obligations at www.businesslink.gov.uk/employmentagencies or by calling the Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0800 917 2368.