Employment agencies must do more to improve quality of maids, training
I agree with the letter “Maid agencies must ensure maids are fit to work here” (April 15) and would add that they must make sure the maids are a good match with employers.
I agree with the letter “Maid agencies must ensure maids are fit to work here” (April 15) and would add that they must make sure the maids are a good match with employers.
Regrettably, agencies are not doing much besides adding costs to maid employment. For example, for the S$1,000 fee I have paid to one agency, the training provided is sub-standard.
Employment agencies represent the first point of contact with the maids for employers, but are hardly involved in the interview or matching process. They earn fees by rubber-stamping the employment process.
Not only has the quality of maids we are getting deteriorated, agencies have also reduced the replacement guarantee period from 12 months to six. They should be representing the interests of employers.
No one represents the employers, who face all the negative consequences of employing maids. The Ministry of Manpower should make employment agencies work for their fees and be responsible in their dealings.