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REC takes concerns of the UK recruitment industry to Brussels

 With discussions between EU Governments continuing to intensify on the proposed Agency Workers Directive, the REC’s  External Relations team hit the freshly-laid Eurostar tracks to Brussels this week to take forward the concerns of the UK recruitment industry.

Commenting on the visit, Tom Hadley, the REC’s Director of External Relations, said: “It was very encouraging to see that there is now a greater understanding of the UK temp model and recognition for the important role that agency work plays within a vibrant and modern labour market.  

“This is a positive development and we also welcome the confirmation from senior European Commission officials that it was not their intention to bring about any new legislation that would damage job creation in the UK.

"However, the REC reiterated the industry’s concerns that the current draft of the Directive could have a significant impact on the UK temporary work market and that proposed equal treatment provisions would be extremely difficult to implement in practice. 

“The ongoing negotiations in Brussels are taking place against a backdrop of intense pressure from The European Commission, Trade Unions and a number of EU Governments for a Directive to be agreed. Further discussions are taking place this week and there is speculation that a solution could be thrashed out by Government Ministers at the Employment Council in Brussels on December 5th.” 

As well as taking forward its own pro-active lobbying campaign, the REC is working with Eurociett – the representative body for the recruitment industry in Europe – to ensure that any agreed Directive is workable and does not have a negative impact on the industry. REC members will be kept up to date with all developments as they occur.