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The REC has responded to the TUC press statement on training issues for temporary agency workers by refuting its findings.

Tom Hadley, the REC's Director of External Relations, says: “Up-skilling the workforce is a key concern for all business organisations, especially with candidate shortages at an all time high in a number of sectors.  

“However, the Trade Union suggestion that temporary work hinders the development and training opportunities of workers is wholly wide of the mark. In fact, many temporary workers access training from both agencies and clients where they are placed to work”.  

“The recent Tracking Survey conducted by BMG Research showed that around 45 per cent of agency workers accessed training either through the agency or the employer. The latest Tracking Survey also shows that only 8 per cent of temporary agency workers want more training from their agency”.  

“In addition, by far the best way of learning new skills is actually ‘on the job’ – in particular through longer-term placements. The feedback from agency workers themselves confirms that one of the main benefits of temporary work is the learning opportunities that it provides from working in different roles and work-places. This is one of the reasons that overall satisfaction levels amongst the UK’s temporary workforce are at an all-time high. (1)

" The TUC argument can be turned on its head, as recruitment agencies are often in an ideal position to identify the training and skills that workers need to further their career.”  

(1) The latest BMG Research tracking survey shows that 84  per cent of temporary agency workers are either satisfied or very satisfied with their work. This compares favourably with permanent worker satisfaction levels.