Employment Agencies

HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc767-8

26. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Labour how it is that employment agencies can offer employment, providing posts to applicants paying fees; and why these vacancies are not being filled through the employment exchanges.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Save where the Control of Engagement Orders provide that vacancies must be filled through the employment exchanges, there is nothing to prevent employers engaging workers either directly or through private agencies.

Mr. Keenan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of firms are taking advantage of agencies and that a bonus or a percentage of wages is paid, which really means a lowering of wages? Does it not appear that some employers are benefiting by the agencies getting them employees?

Mr. Edwards

We have no ground for the suspicion mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Is my hon. Friend aware that in the hotel and catering industry many instances have been given in which workpeople who could not get jobs through the Ministry of Labour's employment exchanges have gone to the fee-paying agencies, have paid £15 and have got a job? After a week's work they have been dismissed. Is he aware, also, that there are grave charges of collusion between the employers and the agencies in sharing out the spoils?

Mr. Edwards

I should like to see the facts which form the basis of those allegations.

Mr. Jennings

Would not the Minister agree that these allegations show inefficiency under Government control?

Mr. Edwards

I thought that notice would have been taken of the supplementary question last put.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does not the state of affairs disclosed in the Minister's answer show discrimination between classes of unemployed and make those who are able to pay get the jobs and the poor be penalised for their poverty?

Mr. Edwards

There is nothing in my answer which indicates discrimination of that type. The Ministry of Labour's exchanges are quite capable of providing jobs for men who are prepared to go where the jobs are available.

Mr. A. Lewis

If I give the Parliamentary Secretary proof that there is collusion between employers and agencies on this point, that workers get jobs through the agencies and not through the employment exchanges and that they are immediately dismissed after taking those jobs, will be institute an inquiry?

Mr. Edwards

I should prefer to consider anything which my hon. Friend submitted to me for examination before making any promises.

Mr. Hogg

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that unless he is more accommodating to his back benchers his Ministry will soon be designated a scab Ministry?

Mr. Osborne

Why is there so much talk about unemployment at the present time? Did not the Government promise to provide jobs for all?

Mr. Edwards

I should have thought that the last place from which to get that taunt would be the other side of the House.