Unregistered Employment Firms In Mercer Will Pay Fine After Settlement: NJ AG

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Two employment and staffing service firms in Mercer County, who reportedly operated without registering in New Jersey will pay a fine after a state investigation, officials said.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced the settlement Thursday, after a DCA investigation into whether the businesses violated consumer protection laws and regulations — which included the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, and regulations governing personnel services.

Twenty-two firms were named in the investigation and they will pay a total of $62,000.

The two Mercer firms are ATRIA Consulting, Hamilton and Workflex/ MVP Staffing, Trenton.

The 22 firms offered services ranging from "executive-level employment placements to hourly labor assignments," Platkin said. They each agreed to resolve the investigation and were assessed civil penalties ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 each, Platkin said. Related article — NJ Temp Worker 'Bill Of Rights' Survives Court Challenge

Officials said two of the businesses were operating as temporary help service firms, providing temporary workers on their payroll to employers on temporary work assignments.

The other 20 were consulting and temporary help service firms, "which procure interviews for job seekers with prospective employers and for prospective employers with job seekers," said officials.

“Firms doing business in New Jersey must comply with the laws in place to protect the public and ensure compliance with industry standards, and that begins with being properly registered,” Platkin said.

The agencies agreed to register their businesses within 30 days of the settlement, Platkin said.

The agencies also agreed to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, to stop engaging "in any unfair or deceptive acts or practices," and maintain annual registration, officials said.

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