Nursery World - Checks compulsory for nanny agencies

Organisations representing nannies and nanny agencies have welcomed the Government's decision to introduce a new law that will require all nanny agencies in England to carry out proper checks on job candidates or face large fines and closure. The revised Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses regulation comes into force on 6 April. It will require all agencies to thoroughly vet prospective nannies by obtaining copies of relevant qualifications and two references, and taking all reasonable steps to confirm that an individual is suitable. If new and adverse information is revealed later, they will have to withdraw the nanny from the position.

The revised Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses regulation comes into force on 6 April. It will require all agencies to thoroughly vet prospective nannies by obtaining copies of relevant qualifications and two references, and taking all reasonable steps to confirm that an individual is suitable. If new and adverse information is revealed later, they will have to withdraw the nanny from the position.

A Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) spokesman said, 'There is no legal requirement for nanny agencies to do this at the moment. Agencies will face a 5,000 fine for each breach of regulation and the owner will face a ten-year ban from running an agency.'

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