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REC response to Government investigation into drivers agencies in the West Midlands

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has warned 18 recruitment agencies supplying drivers in the West Midlands that they are not up to scratch. 

Commenting on the investigation Andrew Horner, Chair of the REC Drivers Group said: "Some offences, such as failing to confirm the identity of drivers are very serious.   REC Drivers members work hard to ensure that they supply their clients and workers alike with a high quality service. 

"The actions of agencies who do not comply within the law simply undercut those agencies operating within the rules, at the expense of Drivers' rights and potentially the safety of the public.  We are pleased to see that the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate is rooting out non-compliant agencies." 

REC Drivers members should all comply with the law and Code of Professional Practice.  BIS will not reveal the names of those agencies whose actions have been found wanting and so REC is not aware if their investigation affected members of the Drivers group.   

However, Andrew Horner continued: "We would encourage workers and clients of agencies alike to raise any concerns they have about our members through our standards procedure.  We are keen to uphold our Code of Professional Practice and will investigate any evidence presented to us very thoroughly." 

Richard Toy, REC West Midlands Regional Director added: “The West Midlands  is a major hub for many logistic organisations, so compliance to legislation should be the minimum standards that recruitment agencies aspire to, our members also sign up to the REC Code of Professional Practice to build on these standards.