New law protects workers from unlicensed employment agencies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- A new law signed Friday in Illinois is aimed at protecting workers from unlicensed employment agencies.

Some people reported that these agencies put them into jobs where they were made to work six days a week, for 12 hours a day to pay off referral fees. Some of the jobs paid less than minimum wage. Others complained of poor working conditions.

Under the law, companies could be fined for such violations.