Current News
House of Commons Update - The temp debate is set to continue
Today’s debate on the Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill ended inconclusively and the Bill will now be considered by a House of Commons Committee.
During the Bill debate, Andrew Miller MP, who has tabled the Bill, highlighted his concerns that temporary workers do not have access to training at that they should receive fair remuneration for work of equal value.
Pat McFadden MP, Minister for Employment Relations confirmed that the Government could not support the Bill. He went on to make the case that all vulnerable workers should be protected, whether they are in temporary or permanent employment and that it should not be assumed that a temporary worker is automatically a vulnerable worker.
Charles Hendry MP, speaking on behalf of the Conservatives supported the need to preserve our flexible labour market.
Commenting on the ongoing debate, Tom Hadley, the REC's Director of External Relations, said: “It’s time to move this debate on. The data provided through the REC Industry Research Unit and the lobbying activities of the REC and its members have already played a massive role in getting our message across.
"The national and regional press coverage of the REC view and the fact that our data was quoted during the House of Commons debate are both good signs. The REC and other business bodies do not support exploitation of temporary workers.
"We are ready and willing to address the concerns of Labour MPs and the trade unions. But this should not be to the detriment to the phenomenal success of the temporary work market at creating jobs and keeping businesses competitive.”
REC members up and down the country have already made contact with hundreds of MPs through the Recruitment Champions initiative.
Commenting on feedback from Recruitment Champions, Anne Fairweather, Head of Public Policy, continued: “We’re thrilled to see so many recruiters speaking to their local MPs. Most MPs have limited experience of the sector and the opportunity for them to hear from quality agencies can help change perceptions.”
Building links with as many politicians as possible is a vital part of getting our message across in the coming months.
To sign up as a Recruitment Champion, visit /www.rec.uk.com/forms/champions. External Relations will share briefings on the Bill and standard letters that can be adapted to send to local MPs..
