Mapping the New Intermediaries: The Political Economy of Recruitment Agencies and Migrant Workers

• In Event: 378 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session II
  In Refereed Roundtable: B. Table 13. Immigration and Work

Abstract

Employment intermediaries, such as employment agencies, temporary help firms and other ‘brokers’ have a long history of mediating the employment relationship. The role of employment intermediaries in global migration has been recognised in a range of recent studies, with most attention focusing on the role of temporary employment agencies in placing migrants into work. This paper looks at the relationship between migration and intermediaries, analysing, through in-depth qualitative research, the role of traditional and ‘new’ intermediaries and the outcomes of working through agencies for workers.

Authors

• Chris Forde, Leeds University

• Robert MacKenzie, Leeds University

• Gabriella Alberti, University of Leeds

• Zyama Ciupijus, University of Leeds