Code of ethics

Press, 12 July 1985, Page 15

Code of ethics

Some principles in the code of ethics followed by private employment agencies, temporary help contractors and personnel consulting firms are: • Responsibility to the community, through participation in community activities.

• Responsibility to the applicant, to serve them faithfully and with professional responsibility. • Responsibility to the employer, to represent their best interests by acting as

an extension of the employers’ recruitment effort. • Applicant relationship — applicants should only be referred to job openings where verbal authority, at least, has been given by the employer. Details of job conditions should be given to the best knowledge of the personnel consultant.

Precautions are taken against referring applicants to employers engaging in illegal, immoral or questionable business practices. Information about an applicant will only be used to

find employment for the applicant, and will be treated in confidence. All reasonable steps will be taken not to jeopardise current employment. • Professional service will be extended regardless of race, colour, creed, religiion, nationality, age, sex, income level, physical handicap, or marital status, at no charge to the applicant. • Employer relationship — applicants’ employment records, qualifications, and salary requirements shall be

stated as accurately and fully as possible. Confidential information on the business policy of employers shall be treated accordingly. Applicants shall not be solicited for positions while working for an employer with whom they have been placed by a member agency. • Members shall clearly state their charges to clients and make a reasonable refund for the premature end of an employment engagement within a specified period.