In 1977 Elaine Craven opened Earl Street Employment Agency on the second floor of 38 Earl Street in Maidstone with just one other member of staff.
At this time, Earl Street provided temporary and permanent recruitment services, both office and industrial however it did also specialise in drivers up to HGV Class 3.
During the mid and late 1980’s the company continued to grow, however during this period the decision was made to concentrate on industrial and office-based staff and not to provide HGV or van driving services. In the early 1990’s the company was renamed Earl Street Employment Consultants Ltd.
In 1996 the business moved for final time to its current home at Laurel House, 43 Earl Street on the corner of Earl Street and Pudding Lane.
Laurel House was originally the Fremlin family home before later becoming residence of the Fremlin Brew Master. It was then occupied by Bracher’s Solicitors before Earl Street moved to the building.
The last 28 years have seen the recruitment industry change beyond all recognition. The mid to late 1990’s ushered in era of the mass use of mobile phones closely followed by the internet.
This period was significant turning point with internet Job boards and online classified ads emerged, providing a platform for job seekers and employers to connect.
The job search process became more accessible and efficient, with candidates being able to browse and apply for positions online.
Earl Street Employment kept pace with the new technology with our first web site being launched in 1998.
We launched our newest website in 2023 together with a rebrand and name change to Earl Street Recruitment. Job seekers and applicants are now able to browse and register for work through the website.
Earl Street Recruitment are members of the two main recruitment industry bodies REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) and ALP (Association of Labour Providers) both these organisations require members to adhere to strict standards, to ensure workers receive fair treatment, the pay, benefits and conditions they are entitled to.
In addition, Earl Street is licence by GLAA (Gangmaster Labour and Abuse Authority) to provide staff within the agricultural, horticultural and associated process and packaging industries. The GLAA and ALP work with recruitment agencies to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.