Director of NDP staffing agency raises concerns over worker treatment in Iceland

The director of the staffing agency NDP has expressed concern over the treatment some workers endure in Iceland. Jón Páll Helgason, the agency’s director, believes that oversight in this sector is insufficient and that labor trafficking is unacceptable and must be eradicated.

NDP employs around 30 people, primarily in metalworking and maintenance of production equipment, with occasional involvement in the construction industry. All of its projects are located in East Iceland and Húsavík.

Helgason described how he and his clients are horrified to witness the conditions faced by some workers. He emphasized the necessity of the staffing industry but insisted that there is no justification for mistreating employees. “It’s difficult to work in an industry carrying such a reputation, and I often think about leaving it. This can be very enjoyable work, with diverse people and great clients, but public perception weighs heavily on you,” he stated.

Concerns about low wages were highlighted in a recent report, where one worker was noted to receive only 2,230 Icelandic krónur per hour. Helgason stated that NDP’s minimum pay is approximately 3,000 krónur, asserting that no costs are deducted from employees’ wages. He criticized the notion of charging workers hidden costs, especially concerning their living conditions, which he termed unacceptable.

Helgason noted that NDP prioritizes employee housing and ensures that no one has to share a room, although some do share accommodations. He mentioned a well-renovated old hotel as an example of satisfactory housing provided for workers.