Terms and Conditions

Last Updated November 2025

Introduction

1. Nature of Service

1.1. Jade @ Helping Hands (“the Agency”) acts as a recruitment and placement agency. The Agency introduces care professionals (“Candidates”) to clients (“the Client”) for direct employment.

2. Admin and Placement Fees

2.1. The admin fee of R450 (non-refundable) is payable after the initial consultation and covers candidate sourcing, screening, and coordination of interviews.

2.2. The placement fee is 4% of the candidate’s annual salary and is payable before the candidate starts work. This fee covers facilitation of the placement and the Agency’s replacement guarantee.

2.3. No candidate may commence employment until the placement fee is received in full.

3. Contract Facilitation and Salary Guidance

3.1. As part of the placement fee, the Agency will provide a standard employment contract template, tailored to the Client’s arrangement with the Candidate.

3.2. The Agency will also provide a salary guideline based on industry norms and fair labour practice.

3.3. The Client remains responsible for finalising and signing the employment contract with the Candidate and ensuring full compliance with South African labour law.

4. Candidate Interviews

4.1. The Client will be provided with up to 3 (three) candidate profiles within 10 (ten) business days of engagement.

4.2. If none are suitable, a second round of up to 3 (three) candidate profiles will be provided.

4.3. After 2 (two) rounds (6 candidates in total), further searches may be conducted at the Agency’s discretion and may attract an additional administration fee.

5. Confidentiality of Candidate Details

5.1. Candidate information (including CVs, contact details, and profiles) is confidential and remains the property of the Agency.

5.2. The Client may not contact, interview, or employ any Candidate introduced by the Agency except through the Agency.

5.3. If the Client (or anyone the Client introduces) employs a candidate within 12 (twelve) months of introduction, the full placement fee is payable.

6. Trial and Probation Periods

6.1. The Client may include a probationary / trial period in the candidate’s employment contract, in line with South African labour law.

6.2. The placement fee remains payable in full regardless of probationary arrangements.

6.3. If the candidate does not meet requirements during probation, the Agency’s replacement policy (Clause 8) will apply, provided the Client can demonstrate fair and lawful grounds for dismissal.

7. Liability

7.1. The Agency uses reasonable care to assess candidate suitability but does not guarantee performance, honesty, or conduct.

7.2. The Agency is not liable for any loss, damage, expense, or dispute arising from the candidate’s employment, including negligence, misconduct, or dismissal.

7.3. The Agency is not responsible for ensuring the candidate holds work permits, medical clearance, or other qualifications required by law.

7.4. The Agency does not conduct or require HIV testing. The Client may not compel candidates to undergo such testing, except as permitted under South African law.

8. Replacement Policy

8.1. If a candidate withdraws before starting, the Agency will provide a replacement at no extra fee.

8.2. If a candidate resigns or is dismissed within 60 calendar days of starting (for lawful reasons), the Agency will provide one free replacement candidate within a reasonable timeframe (typically within 14 business days).

8.3. No further free replacements will be made beyond this. Additional placements will incur a new placement fee.

8.4. No replacement applies if the candidate resigns due to unlawful or unsafe conditions caused by the Client (e.g. non-payment of salary, verbal/physical abuse, breach of labour law).

9. Cancellation

9.1. If the Client cancels after accepting a candidate but before employment begins, the placement fee remains payable in full.

9.2. We kindly ask that all fees are paid before your chosen care professional begins work. This keeps the process smooth and fair for everyone. If payments are delayed, a small interest charge will be added. This is set at the standard South African bank “prime rate” plus 3%. It’s simply there to cover the extra costs of late payments and not to penalise you.

10. Employment Relationship

10.1. The Client is the employer.

10.2. All employment contracts, salaries, UIF, tax, and labour law compliance are strictly between the Client and the candidate.

10.3. The Agency is not party to the employment relationship.

11. Post-Placement Support (Optional Service)

11.1. The Agency offers ongoing support to Clients and Candidates for up to 3 months post-placement. This includes:

Guidance on settling into the new role.
Mediation of early concerns between Client and Candidate.
Practical advice on communication, expectations, and problem-solving.
Support to ensure smooth integration and long-term stability of the placement.

11.2. Support is offered in two packages:

Monthly Support Package: R550 per month, cancellable at any time (up to 3 months).

3-Month Package: R1,500 upfront, covering the entire 3-month period.

11.3. This service is optional and not included in the placement fee. It is designed to give families peace of mind and to reduce the risk of early misunderstandings leading to failed placements.

12. Governing Law

12.1. These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.