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REC responds to ICO’s call for recruitment agencies to comply with DPA

The REC has reacted to the call from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for recruitment agencies to meet their obligations under the Data Protection Act.

Under the Act, organisations such as recruitment agencies who electronically process personal information of individuals must notify the ICO or face prosecution and fines if they fail to do so.

The REC, the trade association for the UK’s £24.8 billion private recruitment and staffing industry, points out that its members have already been reminded of their obligations in this area through the comprehensive legal and best practice advisory services the association provides.

However, the REC adds that the ICO’s warning provides a useful and additional reminder at a time when agencies have an increasing amount of legislation to cope with.

Commenting on the ICO’s call, Claire Walker, the REC’s Head of Professional Standards, said: “The ongoing work of the Professional Standards team includes collating feedback on common areas of non-compliance and ensuring that the whole membership is regularly reminded of the standards and criteria they have to meet.

“The work of our team of assessment officers is crucial within this respect and will ensure that REC members are ahead of the game in terms of compliance with ICO regulations as well as other rules covering the industry.”