I was under the impression that under English law you are not entitled/allowed to charge an applicant for employment consideration/job interview - although that being said I cannot (yet) quote verbatim the why's and wherefores (Ryanair being an Irish company don't count)
I am also slightly surprised that any bona fide operator/organisation utilising an agent for such particularly sensitive 'secure' matters is/has not been prepared to fund such recruitment and/or recompense the agent for their costs inclusive in the agency fee/agreement
...and somewhere down the line do they not need a license from DWP?
http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/agency/regs-pl971.htm#who
http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/agency/regs-pl971.htm#excluded
http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/agency/regs-pl971.htm#fees2
Who the Act applies to
The Act applies to employment agencies and employment businesses whether they are carried on by commercial concerns for profit or by non-profit-making bodies. This includes those that deal with au pairs and with freelance or self-employed workers as well as those that deal only with workers on a normal contract of employment.
Employment agencies
Under the Act an 'employment agency' is defined as the business of providing services (whether by the provision of information or otherwise) for the purpose of finding workers employment with employers or of supplying employers with workers for employment by them. The Act thus applies to a wide range of agencies, from the familiar recruitment agency, through a range of specialist agencies to entertainment and model agents, the executive selection functions of management consultants and executive search consultants.
Employment businesses
The other kind of activity covered, the 'employment business', is defined as the business of supplying people in the employment of the person carrying on the business, to act for, and under the control of, other people in any capacity.
This covers the hiring out of workers on a temporary basis and is frequently called 'temping'. It has long been associated with the supply of temporary secretarial and other office staff, but has extended into many other areas, including professional and industrial occupations.
Fees
Employment agencies and employment businesses are prohibited from charging fees to workers for finding or seeking to find them jobs.
Infringement of the Act and regulations
Anyone who:
contravenes the prohibition on charging fees to workers
?