What this class covers
ANZSIC class 7211 covers businesses that connect job seekers with employment opportunities across all industries. These services operate as intermediaries between employers and potential employees, facilitating the matching process without supplying their own workforce to clients.
Typical businesses in this class include employment agencies that help people find permanent or temporary work, recruitment consultancies that specialize in specific industries, executive search firms that focus on senior-level placements, casting agencies that connect performers with roles, and employment registries that maintain databases of available positions.
These businesses typically earn revenue through placement fees charged to employers, contingency fees based on successful hires, or retained search arrangements. The classification is used by government agencies for statistical reporting, by businesses for industry benchmarking, and for determining eligibility for certain industry-specific programs or regulations.
Primary activities in plain English
- Operating employment agencies that help people find work opportunities
- Running recruitment services that match candidates with job vacancies
- Providing executive search services for senior management positions
- Operating casting agencies that connect performers with acting roles
- Maintaining employment registries that list available positions
- Screening, testing, and reference checking of job applicants
- Developing job descriptions and candidate specifications for employers
Exclusions and nearby codes
Businesses that supply their own employees to work under client supervision are classified separately under ANZSIC 7212 Labour Supply Services. This distinction is important as labour hire firms have different regulatory requirements regarding worker entitlements and workplace safety.
Companies providing human resource management consulting services or managing public figures fall under ANZSIC 6962 Management Advice and Related Consulting Services. This includes HR consultants who advise on policies and procedures rather than directly placing staff.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC classification. For recruitment and placement services, class 7211 is typically the correct category. The related Business Industry Code (BIC) for this class is 72110.
For workers' compensation insurance, recruitment agencies generally fall under clerical or professional risk categories rather than the higher-risk classifications that apply to industries like construction or manufacturing. However, specific premiums depend on the actual work performed by your employees.
Recruitment businesses must comply with Fair Work regulations regarding their own employees and should understand their obligations under the Privacy Act when handling candidate information. Keep detailed records of placements as you may need to report these for statistical purposes or if audited by the ATO.