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Commenting on the Prime Minister’s statement, Helen Reynolds, the REC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said: “It’s great to see the Prime Minister’s strong support for business in his statement.  For the recruitment industry this means simplification of some legislation coupled with much greater enforcement of the rules.   

“This is what our industry has been crying out for.  REC members should not have to compete with rogue agencies that undercut them and give good recruiters a bad name.  An industry that puts 1.2 million people out to work every week should be assisted, not hindered, by Government.  

“Recruiters will also welcome the focus on skills.  Finding good candidates is a major problem for the industry.  Initiatives on skills need to be speeded up and really start to deliver for business if we are going to have the competitive engaged workforce of tomorrow.” 

The statement also announced that there would be a Health and Social Care Bill that will look at the regulation of the nursing and social care sector.  It is proposed that the current Commission for Social Care Inspection and Healthcare Commission will be merged.      

The REC will be actively following this development to ensure that any new regime creates high standards with the flexibility required for running a recruitment business in this area. 

On housing, Trevor Rees, Chair of the REC Construction Sector group said: “Given the current skills shortage in construction; it will be a considerable challenge to build the three million new homes promised by 2020. To meet this target, it is imperative that the government commits to investing in skills-based training as well as improving opportunities and access to employment."