In today’s litigious society, recruitment and employment agencies are exposed to all number of risks. Employee’s getting injured at work, a contractor working negligently, a client claiming wool has been pulled over their eyes regarding a candidate’s qualifications. The scope for recruitment agencies being sued is huge, which is why you need recruitment insurance.

Know your exposures:

• Failure to perform required background checks on candidates
• Placing a candidate who does not have the suitable experience or qualities for a role
• Passing a CV to an existing employer or third party without a candidate’s expressed consent
• Vicarious liability arising out of actions of on-hired employees

A few years ago a Recruitment Agency specialising in the legal industry learned of a potential job opening at a law firm. The Agency was not on a retainer or contract with the firm but sent a candidate’s CV through as a starting point. They never heard back.

The firm never advised that they had hired the candidate, but 6 years later they sued the Recruitment Agency. The candidate was found to have misappropriated funds and had a prior conviction for similar offences. The firm claimed the Agency should have conducted reference and criminal history checks.

The Recruitment Agency immediately notified their insurer, who successfully argued that they were not responsible and had not recommended the candidate.

The moral of the story? A recruitment process can give rise to claims many years after they’ve concluded, so recruitment agencies need insurance. Remember:

• Have professional indemnity insurance
• Keep good records of all your interactions with clients
• Understand your obligations when prospecting and vetting candidates
• Notify your insurers of potential claims and incidents immediately

The main covers to opt for when taking out recruitment agency insurance are;

Professional Indemnity Insurance – Addresses the legal costs of defending claims and meeting compensation payments that may arise from negligent advice or services provided by a business or an employee.

Public Liability Insurance – Covers your agency against legal proceedings should a member of the public be injured or client property damaged as a result of negligence by your company.

Employers’ Liability Insurance – Covers the cost of compensation should an employee get injured or ill whilst working in connection with your business. £5 million Employers liability insurance is a legal requirement for all businesses.

Cyber Liability and Crime Insurance – Protect your businesses against the threat of cyber-crime. Whether you are a sole trader working from home or an established high street employment agency it pays to have adequate insurance in place to protect you and your business, so you can continue to thrive.

Insurance helps take some of the worry and stress out of running your business and can also help your business to grow. You should be aware that it is difficult to acquire preferred supplier status without proving to clients that you have suitable cover in place.

Don’t risk it. Cover your business with recruitment insurance today by getting in touch, or see more information on our website.