Current News

The latest  meeting of the REC's Agency Workers Commission heard oral evidence from the CBI, the BCC (British Chambers of Commerce) and PCG (Professional Contractors Group). Written evidence was submitted by the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) and the IOD (Institute of Directors).

The aim of the Commission is to develop practical  solutions to implementing the EU Agency Workers Directive in the UK. Recommendations will be presented to Government by the end of the year.

The latest  meeting of the Commission heard oral evidence from the CBI, the BCC (British Chambers of Commerce) and PCG (Professional Contractors Group).  Written evidence was submitted by the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) and the IOD (Institute of Directors).

Key themes raised during the meeting  were the need for a tight definition of what equal treatment covers and the importance of recruitment professionals working closely with client emoyers to develop  workable solutions.

Discussions also focused on the difficult issue of where eventual liability for establishing and demonstrating equal treatment would lie between agencies and employers.

Commenting on the outcome of the latest meeting of the Commission, REC Chief Executive Kevin Green said:

 “Working closely with employers will be key to finding a workable solution to the EU Directive which is why it is key to involve all the UK's major buisness organisations. There is real consensus on a number of issues and the current economic climate will make it even more important to get the details and timings of UK implementation right  . The REC Commission's  recommendations to Government are taking shape and we will continue to seek the input of the wider recruitment and employer community."

Speaking after the Commission meeting, Neil Carberry, the CBI's Head of Employment and Pensions, said: “The CBI is happy to support the work of the REC Agency Work Commission in finding the best way of implementing the Agency Workers Directive. The Commission has a lot to contribute to finding a workable solution which is suitable for both agencies and the wider business community.”

The Managing Director of PCG, John Brazier said: "The interests of freelancers and contractors needs to be considered in this debate: they are not the vulnerable workers that this measure is intended to protect. The Directive could create serious difficulties in employing highly skilled freelance workers and we look forward to working with the REC Agency Work Commission to ensure that this is recognised by Government."

The next meeting of the REC Agency Work Commission will take place on the 29th October 2008.  This meeting will include the participation of the TUC (Trade Union Congress) and will include a specific focus on alternative dispute resolutions.  The REC met recently with TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber to outline the aims and remits of the Commission a note of this meeting is available at the following link http://www.rec.uk.com/press/news/409