Current News

The REC has countered the overall conclusion of a survey from law firm Eversheds this week that states that two-thirds of the UK’s employers expect to use fewer agency workers as a result of the EU Agency Workers Directive which provides for equal treatment for agency workers after 12 weeks of an assignment.  

REC Chief Executive Kevin Green was quoted in the FT yesterday, commenting on the findings of the survey and calling upon employers to be circumspect until the contents of the Directive are finally ratified.

He said: “There is a great deal of uncertainty and misinformation around what the Directive might mean in practice. At this stage, employers do not need to be making rash decisions about the use of agency workers. 

“The UK’s flexible labour market has been hugely important and will continue to be even more so in the difficult times ahead. It is crucial that the Government does not jeopardise the jobs market and ensuring that the details of the EU Directive are workable will be a key test within this context. 

 “The REC’s Agency Work Commission will be playing a central role by putting practical recommendations on how equal treatment can be implemented in the UK in a way that does not have the negative impact that the Evershed survey predicts.” 

Last week’s launch of the REC’s Commission aims to ensure that employers and professional recruiters come together to influence the government’s thinking on how the EU Directive can be implemented within the UK.

All REC members will continue to be actively involved in this ongoing consultation and practical recommendations will be presented to government by the end of the year.  

As part of the ongoing work to inform and re-assure employers, the REC recently produced a briefing note that members can circulate to their clients. This briefing note can be found at the following link http://www.rec.uk.com/corporate-members/lobbying