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AWR latest: Employment Minister commends REC for positive partnership with Government

Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey last night commended the REC for its tireless work in preparing its members, their clients and the wider recruitment industry for the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations on October 1.

Speaking at the launch of the REC’s final AWR Toolkit, attended by recruiters from across the industry, the Minister thanked the REC “for the positive partnership it has created between the recruitment industry and Government”.

Mr Davey stressed that while the Regulations were agreed by the previous Government, the Coalition Government was committed to ensuring all interested parties understand the changes and are clear about their new obligations. 

He told the REC members present: “Employment agencies play an important role in helping business respond to changing market conditions, manage fluctuations in workload and deal with unforeseen circumstances. We want to see the recruitment industry continue to thrive as a vital part of the UK’s flexible labour market.

“I think the REC’s toolkit is a fantastic resource that will make a real difference in that respect,” he remarked. “It contains a wealth of tailored advice and expertise so I would encourage everyone to use it in the months ahead.”

Mr Davey confirmed that the Department for Business Innovation and Skills will be closely monitoring the impact of AWR following implementation in October, and would welcome any feedback from REC members on how the Regulations are working in practice.

BIS will hold a formal post-implementation review by December 2013, and the European Commission will also conduct a review, in consultation with Member States and social partners, by the end of next year (2012).

The Minister also stressed the importance of the UK’s flexible workforce to the economy, reassuring attendees of the Government’s commitment to “maintaining and, wherever possible, improving Britain’s flexible labour market.”
 
Looking ahead to the Government’s future plans for the jobs market, Mr Davey spoke of review of the employment law framework, a streamlining of the tribunals’ system and a promotional campaign on employers’ rights with the Department for Business Innovation and Skills’ Employers’ Charter.

The REC has launched other initiatives to help members prepare for the AWR. They are the Agency Workers Commission in 2008 and 'Your AWR Advisor' support package in February this year.

Your AWR Toolkit is now available free to REC members at: www.rec.uk.com/awr

To see Carol Scott, the REC's Head of Corporate Membership, explain to Recruiter magazine how the new toolkit works, go to: http://www.recruiter.co.uk/1010498.article?cmpid=REC01&cmptype=newsletter&email=true