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The REC External Relations team co-ordinated the industry’s latest lobbying foray over to Brussels which included the participation of the REC Chair Angela Masters and the Chair of the REC Employment Policy Committee, Jeanette Robinson.

As well as meetings with key European Commission officials and Members of the European Parliament, the visit included representation at the CBI Brussels’ annual reception.

Reporting back on the meetings, Anne Fairweather, REC Head of Public Policy said: 

 “It is interesting to see the change in tone in the discussion on temporary work in Brussels.  MEPs and the Commission are more willing to accept some of the positive benefits of temporary work.  However, ensuring that there is a real understanding of the impact that the proposed directive would have on the UK temp market remains a real challenge which is why the input and practical feedback of REC members is essential”.

Discussion on the directive could be reaching an ‘end game’ scenario with the French Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2008 very keen to see an agreement.  Fairweather continues:

 “It is absolutely vital that REC and the whole recruitment industry pull together to promote the true valuing of temping today.  There is a real danger that legislation will be passed which will neither benefit temps or the agencies themselves.  REC will be fighting hard to ensure that a directive does not damage jobs in the UK.”

To get involved with the REC’s campaign sign up to be a Recruitment Champion: http://www.rec.uk.com/forms/champions