5th January, 2010 Re: Unemployed Cannot be Charged for Job Seeking Services. There are concerns about the growth of services (on-line and print media) that charge unemployed people for advertising their availability for work. This is a very undesirable development, not only does it put unnecessary financial pressure on families it is also contrary to a number of international labour conventions that clearly state that workers should not be charged for their job seeking. Under the Employment Agency Act 1971 employers or employment agencies are prohibited from charging the job seeker for any costs associated with their recruitment. Also the Dept. of Social Welfare have made it clear that no unemployed worker is expected or required to take out adverts to prove that they are genuinely seeking work. The Dept. of Social Welfare has also confirmed that no unemployed worker is expected or required to take out adverts to prove they are genuinely seeking work.