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| Improved communication prevents problems with employment agencies |
If domestic helpers have much to complain about their employment agencies that placed them in jobs, employers have as much to complain about. In fact, over 100 complaints are filed by employers against them each year, according to the Consumer Council.
The primary responsibility of employment agencies is to handle procedures for bringing domestic helpers to Hong Kong. Problems that arise from this can be avoided by strengthened communication with both employers and helpers, it said.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
“This includes gaining a comprehensive understanding of
prospective employers’ needs and domestic helpers’ experience and capabilities
in order to make appropriate matching, as well as verifying domestic helpers’
information as far as practicable to fulfil their gatekeeping role,” the
Council said.
In cases such as domestic helpers backing out, agencies
should notify the employers as soon as possible and provide appropriate
assistance, such as arranging substitute domestic helpers or refunds, to
enhance consumer confidence, it added.
However, as some agencies require payment of sums ranging
from $14,000 to $16,000, which constitutes acceptance of the terms and
arrangements, employers should not rush into paying.
“They should carefully read the service agreement or
contract before the transaction to understand the refund policy and the terms
and conditions for replacing domestic helpers, so as to safeguard their rights,”
it added
The Council will continue to closely monitor industry
developments and reflect consumers’ concerns to traders in a timely manner,
with a view to encouraging service quality enhancement.
