Current News

AWR Latest – the REC’s message to new BIS Minister

Following last week’s announcement that Vince Cable is the new Secretary of State for Business, it has now been confirmed that the Minister with responsibility for recruitment industry regulations within the Department for Business (BIS) is the Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey.

The immediate priority for the industry will be to work with the new Minister on the UK implementation of the Agency Work Regulations.   

Ahead of the election, the Conservative Shadow Business Team had hinted that it would be prepared to review the regulations that were published last January. I

It is too early to say whether there is any appetite for such a review in light of the new political landscape but the REC will be looking to meet with the new Minister at the earliest opportunity.  

Taking stock of the new Ministerial team, Anne Fairweather, the REC’s Head of Policy says: 

 “The REC will be making immediate representations to ensure that the industry’s concerns are taken on board and that the vital role of agency work is well understood. The current economic climate makes it more important than ever to implement the regulations in a way that protects the flexibility of the UK labour market.  

“As part of this, we need to work closely with the new Government on the official guidance that will underpin the regulations and bring much needed clarity to some of the requirements. The practical feedback from recruiters will play a key role in informing this guidance document.”   

As well as entering into dialogue on the AWR with new Ministers within the Department for Business, the REC has underlined the need to protect the UK's flexible labour market in recent correspondence with the Chancellor and other new Cabinet Members. 

The specific implications of the AWR for temporary staffing in the public sector will be covered during the REC's Public Sector Summit on June 8.