SkillsLink Sussex – Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the SkillsLink Sussex website and digital platform (“Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

SkillsLink Sussex operates solely as a local skills, employment and networking platform serving West Sussex and surrounding areas. The Platform enables employers and candidates to find one another and communicate directly.

SkillsLink Sussex is not an employment agency, employment business, recruitment consultancy, staffing agency or labour provider unless expressly stated otherwise in writing.

2. Our Role – Introducer Only

SkillsLink Sussex acts solely as an independent intermediary, facilitator and introductory platform.

Our role is limited to providing a digital marketplace where:

• Candidates can create profiles showcasing their skills and experience.
• Employers can search for suitable candidates and make direct contact.

SkillsLink Sussex does not:

• Employ candidates.
• Recruit on behalf of employers.
• Negotiate employment terms.
• Enter into employment contracts.
• Act as agent for employers or candidates.
• Guarantee interviews, employment or work opportunities.
• Guarantee the suitability, qualifications or availability of any candidate.
• Guarantee the legitimacy or quality of any employer or vacancy.

Any employment or working relationship exists solely between the employer and the candidate.

3. No Employment Relationship

Nothing contained within these Terms or the Platform creates:

• an employment relationship;
• agency;
• partnership;
• joint venture;
• franchise; or
• contractual relationship

between SkillsLink Sussex and any employer or candidate.

Any employment contract, consultancy agreement, apprenticeship, freelance arrangement or other engagement resulting from an introduction through the Platform is made entirely between the employer and the candidate.

SkillsLink Sussex is not a party to those agreements and accepts no responsibility for them.

4. Responsibility for Employment Arrangements

Employers and candidates are solely responsible for agreeing:

• salary or rates of pay;
• working hours;
• holiday entitlement;
• pension arrangements;
• notice periods;
• employment benefits;
• duties and responsibilities;
• workplace policies; and
• all other contractual terms.

Both parties are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable UK legislation including, where applicable:

• Employment Rights Act 1996
• Equality Act 2010
• National Minimum Wage Act 1998
• Working Time Regulations 1998
• Immigration, Asylum and Nationality legislation
• Health and Safety legislation
• Tax and National Insurance obligations
• Any other applicable employment legislation.

5. Employer Responsibilities

Employers agree that they are solely responsible for:

• verifying a candidate’s identity;
• carrying out Right to Work checks;
• obtaining references;
• verifying qualifications and licences;
• carrying out DBS or other safeguarding checks where required;
• ensuring workplace health and safety;
• complying with employment and tax legislation;
• paying agreed wages and benefits;
• maintaining appropriate insurance;
• complying with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.

Employers acknowledge that SkillsLink Sussex does not verify all information supplied by candidates.

6. Candidate Responsibilities

Candidates agree that they will:

• provide truthful and accurate information;
• keep profiles up to date;
• upload genuine qualifications and experience;
• respond professionally to employers;
• not impersonate another individual;
• not upload misleading or fraudulent information;
• independently assess any employment opportunity offered.

Candidates accept that SkillsLink Sussex cannot guarantee interviews, employment or income.

7. Vetting and Verification

SkillsLink Sussex may carry out reasonable verification of employer registrations but does not guarantee the identity, financial standing, legitimacy or conduct of employers or candidates.

SkillsLink Sussex does not warrant:

• qualifications;
• references;
• experience;
• legal right to work;
• professional competence;
• character;
• safety; or
• suitability

of any user.

Users must undertake their own due diligence before entering into any agreement.

8. Data Protection

SkillsLink Sussex processes personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Once an employer accesses or receives a candidate’s personal information through the Platform, that employer becomes independently responsible for its processing and compliance with all applicable data protection legislation.

SkillsLink Sussex is not responsible for how employers subsequently collect, store, process, retain, transfer or delete candidate information.

Employers act as independent Data Controllers in respect of any candidate data they obtain through the Platform and indemnify SkillsLink Sussex against any claims, penalties, investigations, losses or liabilities arising from their misuse of personal data or failure to comply with applicable data protection law.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, SkillsLink Sussex shall not be liable for:

• employment disputes;
• unpaid wages;
• dismissal claims;
• discrimination claims;
• workplace accidents;
• harassment;
• safeguarding failures;
• tax liabilities;
• pension obligations;
• health and safety issues;
• contractual disputes;
• fraud or misrepresentation by users;
• inaccurate information supplied by users;
• any indirect, consequential or financial loss arising from use of the Platform.

SkillsLink Sussex’s total aggregate liability for any claim shall be limited to the greater of:

• the fees paid by that user during the previous 12 months; or
• £100 where no fees have been paid.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or death or personal injury caused by negligence where such liability cannot legally be excluded.

10. User Conduct

Users agree not to:

• misuse the Platform;
• upload unlawful or offensive material;
• discriminate unlawfully;
• harass other users;
• attempt unauthorised access to systems;
• interfere with Platform operation;
• breach intellectual property rights.

Accounts may be suspended or terminated where these Terms are breached.

11. Intellectual Property

All Platform content including branding, software, graphics, logos, text and design remains the property of SkillsLink Sussex or its licensors.

No material may be copied, reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

12. Suspension and Termination

SkillsLink Sussex reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate any account where it reasonably believes these Terms have been breached or where continued use may place other users or the Platform at risk.

13. Changes to these Terms

These Terms may be amended at any time.

The latest version will always appear on this page.

Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of any revised Terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising from use of the Platform.

15. Legal Disclaimer

SkillsLink Sussex provides an online introductory service only.

We do not supervise, direct or manage employment relationships.

Users access and use the Platform entirely at their own risk.

SkillsLink Sussex makes no representation or warranty regarding the conduct, ability, honesty, suitability or legal compliance of any employer or candidate and accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, dispute or liability arising from introductions made through the Platform.

Nothing on the Platform constitutes legal, employment, tax or financial advice.

Users should obtain independent professional advice where appropriate.

16. Contact

Questions regarding these Terms should be sent to: skillslinksussex@yahoo.com