Does anyone have any experience of working for Essential Employment, a recruitment agency, based in Blackburn?

They advertise quite often on the Jobcentre Plus website, and seem to have a lot of jobs based in Sheffield.

I recently sent my CV to them, and have been invited to an interview with them. They are coming to Cavendish Court Jobcentre next week. They've asked me to bring my passport, proof of NI number and bank details.

I'm a little wary of giving over my bank details (and allowing them to photocopy my passport) as I can't find much info about them. They don't seem to have their own website but advertise for posts all over the country.

The only thing that makes me think they might be 'above board' is the fact that they are using the Jobcentre facilities. Has anyone worked for them in the Sheffield area?

i have never had dealings with them but i suspect they not quite above board, the reason i say this is because the only job site they seem to have postings on it total jobs, and this is known for being dodgy. im really sorry i cant remember the name of the company but theres a company, based up north that advertsie a to good to be true data entry job. they advertised on total jobs and also at the job centre, you send them a cv and they ask you to call an 0800 number which then diverts to a number that costs shedloads, then they want you to send money and theyll give you a job (yeah right!) i searched for them and found loads forums where people had been ripped off by them. i know this is a different company but thought id mention as they too were advertised in the jobcentre and on total jobs. this company also created their own employment agy to give this rip off a legitmte front so more people would fall for it. they also advertised posts all over the country!

the empleoyment agy you have mentioned is suspicious for these reasons and also because they dont seem to have their own website , and i dont know a single legit agy that doesnt have a website! but thomson local have them registered at an address with a phone number, you couldalways try ringing them?

Essential Employment Ltd

Glenfield Park Business Centre/Blakewater Rd, Blackburn, BB1 5QH

* Tel:01254 692536


also ive looked at companies house and they are registered...06033707 but that doesnt always mean anythiong as the company i mentioned earlier were aswell.

you mention they are actually coming to the jobcentre, so if you are meeting them face to face you can always discuss your issues before giving them the info, if they are legit they will not only be able to prove this but also shouldnt mind you asking either. also if they are actually using the jobcentres premesis then i would hope the jobcentre could tell you if they have successfully placed anyone with them?

some things to remember tho, any agency only needs to take the copy of a passport and your bank details if they are directly employing you ie as a temp, if they are going to get you a permanent job whether full tmie or part time then its the employer who takes these details, NOT the agency. and above all else DO NOT HAND OVER CASH (i am expecting them to say you passed the interview but theyll need some money in advance for traing, if they say this run a mile, well after youve given em a gobful for being rip offs!)


good luck hun

hehe, i have just found a post for a job by essential employment on total jobs

http://www.totaljobs.com/JobSearch/JobDetails.aspx?JobId=40757424

and below the ad its says this

Warning: There should be no need to provide your bank account details or to send any cash when applying for a job. We strongly advise that jobseekers should never supply bank account details or any other financial information.

made me giggle!

oh, and they dont even post on my blackburn jobs...

Sound distinctively dodgy in that case. Thanks Chinny, I think I'll give them a wide berth.

There are plenty of agencies based in Sheffield, so I think I'll just stick with them!!