Reports of job scams have surged nearly quadruple since 2022, according to research by the non-profit organisation JobsAware.
That’s why, as a key participant in a newly launched certification scheme, e4s is at the forefront of combating fraudulent activity in the employment sector.
Industry-Driven Certification Scheme to Safeguard Job Seekers & Employers
JobsAware, backed by the Prime Minister’s Anti-Fraud Champion (Simon Fell MP), has introduced a government-backed certification scheme.
This initiative aims to protect job seekers, employer brands and recruitment platforms from advertisement scams and fraud.
E4S, alongside other leading job boards, has committed to being part of the scheme’s pilot, which is set to begin in the second quarter of 2024.
Explaining the ideas behind the initiative, chair of JobsAware, Keith Rosser, said: “This scheme will be game-changing for protecting the safety of workers and work-seekers. How people come to find jobs is fundamentally changing, it’s becoming much more digitised. On one hand this creates opportunities, but it also allows fraudsters to scale.”
“We’ve seen employment scams rise sharply over the past couple of years, harming labour market access and participation. With many people often applying for one role, people are counting on that role being legitimate for their livelihoods. People are losing on average over £3,000 to scammers, they can also have their identity compromised or fall foul to other kinds of labour abuse.”
“This scheme is a robust approach with workers and businesses at the very heart, to make sure that everyone involved in the labour market is protected from becoming a victim to fraud,” said Mr Rossser.
Explaining why we are so invested in the scheme, Chris Eccles, co-founder of e4s, said:
“After spending years developing our own systems to keep students safe from fraud on the Employment4Students platform, we are delighted to be working with industry partners to devise an industry code of practice that will help jobseekers more safely search for their next job role.”
Why E4S?
- Industry Leadership: e4s stands out as a leader in the industry, actively working to keep fraudsters at bay. Our commitment to transparency and integrity sets us apart.
- Audited Excellence: To become “JobsAware-protected,” e4s undergoes rigorous auditing by the British Assessment Bureau. We adhere to best-practice standards, ensuring that the jobs listed on our platform are legitimate.
- Annual Renewal: Our dedication to maintaining high standards means annual certification renewals. Job seekers and employers can trust e4s to provide a safe and reliable environment.
Simon Fell, Conservative MP and the Prime Minister’s Anti-Fraud Champion, said: “I am delighted to support the JobsAware online recruitment scheme aimed at tackling fake job adverts that not only defraud people looking for jobs, but also lead to other labour abuses such as modern slavery.”
“This scheme is an excellent example of an industry stepping up to protect the public to meet the requirements of the Online Safety Act. It’s a good example of what we want to see from the online economy as we strengthen controls alongside important initiatives such as the Online Fraud Charter.”
“The fact the scheme will be certified by UKAS-accredited organisations and meets a set of independent criteria gives citizens across the UK peace of mind that those job boards involved are committed to protecting people looking for work across the UK,” said the MP.
Welcoming the initiative, Kevin Hollinrake, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, said:
“Businesses and workers often have to face difficulties with online recruitment which is why I’m pleased to see an industry-led solution that will deal with these challenges.”
“This scheme will incentivise businesses to follow the rules they have set and give workers the confidence to use recruitment sites, helping to create the strong labour market the country needs to deliver economic growth.”
“In addition, the government is making it easier to do business by ensuring rules and regulations are proportionate as well as considering wider impacts on consumers, innovation and competition,” added Mr Hollinrake.
Tim Boswell, Senior Director at Madgex (a job board software provider involved in the pilot scheme) also commented, saying: “Collaborating with JobsAware to empower our clients in enhancing their online recruitment platform and safeguarding job seekers is a source of immense pride for Madgex.”
“Keeping the jobseeker at the forefront has been the cornerstone of our company’s ethos since our establishment in 2000. In today’s climate, the significance of protecting worker rights cannot be overstated, and we whole-heartedly endorse JobsAware’s mission.”
