How can you tell if a staffing agency is reliable?

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The easiest way to tell if a temp agency is honest and reliable is to check whether it is a member of a trade association. In the Netherlands, there are two trade associations: the NBBU and the ABU. If a temp agency is a member of one of these two organizations, you can be sure it is reliable. This is because ABU and NBBU members must meet high quality standards. The most important quality standards of—in this case—the ABU are:

• The staffing agency must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce. It seems logical, but unfortunately, there are agencies that aren't even registered.
• The temp agency is accredited by the SNA. The Foundation for Labor Standards (SNA) verifies that a temp agency complies with all legal requirements. To obtain the SNA certification, a company must demonstrate that it maintains its records properly. This means, among other things, that it properly records the necessary documents, such as IDs and employment contracts.
• The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for temporary workers is being properly applied. The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) outlines your rights, such as continued pay in the event of illness. It also stipulates that you will receive fair and appropriate pay that is comparable to that of a permanent employee at the client company. Matters such as vacation days, pension accrual, and travel expense reimbursement are also covered in the CBA.
• There is an active policy in place to prevent discrimination, and the staffing agency’s employees receive training, which ensures they are competent in their work and can therefore assist you effectively.

In short, if a staffing agency has the ABU seal of approval, you can be sure you're dealing with a reliable agency.

UBN is accredited—here's what that means for you

At UBN, we believe it’s important to treat others the way we’d like to be treated—whether you’re a client, a colleague, or a temporary employee. That’s why we’re a member of the ABU and meet the highest quality standards. What does this mean for you?

At UBN, we treat each other with respect

• No matter who you are or what your background is, we’ll help you advance your career. This begins the moment you walk through our doors (at one of our locations or online) and continues until you leave us, on your way to the next step in your career. UBN does not discriminate. We’re here for anyone who wants to work, regardless of your background, gender, age, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.
• We'll find the right job for you—one that matches your knowledge, skills, and ambitions. And if you're not quite sure what you want yet, we're happy to help and give you advice on your options.
• We do what we promise. We're clear and realistic about what we can and cannot do for you.

UBN is a good employer

• Together with our clients, we are committed to ensuring healthy and safe working conditions.
• We work with you to plan your future. Depending on your goals and abilities, we’ll invest our energy in your development.
• We're always clear about what you can expect from us. Do you have any questions? Feel free to ask.

UBN complies with laws and regulations

• We do not charge for our assistance.
• We offer you terms of employment in accordance with the law and the collective bargaining agreement. You will always receive what you are entitled to—not only in terms of salary, but also in terms of allowances, vacation, and retirement benefits.
• We handle your personal data confidentially. For example, we always inform you in advance, in plain language, about what data we process and why.

In conclusion: we are both responsible for maintaining a good working relationship. This means that we expect you to behave like a good employee, and that we are both clear about what we expect from each other. We will hold each other accountable and honor our agreements.

Simply put: At UBN, you can be sure that you’re working for a reliable staffing agency that adheres to the code of conduct for the staffing industry. So you can work with us with complete peace of mind.

Contact one of our offices today to find out how we can help you find the perfect job.