Explanatory Memorandum

Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2010

2010 CHAPTER 12

2 August 2010

Commentary on Sections

Section 2: Employment agencies: powers of enforcement

Section 2 amends the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1981 to provide the Department with powers to compel agencies and third parties, such as banks, to provide the Department with financial information about an agency for investigation purposes. Limits will be placed on the circumstances in which this power can be used and it will only be available where an agency is suspected of serious offences under employment agency legislation and is asked for, but does not provide, the necessary financial information. This power can only be used following authorisation by a senior officer of the Department (at least Director-level).