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REC on the front foot ahead of crunch AWD talks in Brussels

The REC is calling for caution ahead of the EU Presidency’s decision on the Agency Workers Directive, arguing that the flexible nature of temporary work would be seriously undermined if the directive is too restrictive about how an agency worker's pay is calculated.

As the UK’s recruitment body, the REC fully supports any measures that protect the rights of temporary workers but has expressed concern that the Directive in its current draft could deter businesses from using temporary staff.

Helen Reynolds, Acting Chief Executive Officer for the REC said: “It is important that the contribution of agency workers is recognised and rewarded but the Agency Workers Directive could actually jeopardise thousands of temporary jobs as businesses struggle to meet additional regulation. This would have serious consequences for the thousands of temporary workers that choose agency work for a level of flexibility that simply isn’t possible in permanent positions.”

This view is supported by the REC’s 2006 Tracking Report, which found that levels of satisfaction amongst temporary workers are increasing year on year. In 2006 on average 77% of temps were satisfied with their temporary placement.   Additionally an increasing number of temporary workers have access to training with 45% being offered training or education during their current or most recent assignment.  The Report also highlighted how employers recognise the value of temporary work with 40 per cent of employers saying they would introduce internal flexible working, including overtime, if they were unable to use agency workers, adding significant cost to businesses and pressure on the permanent workforce. 

Next week, the TUC congress will be looking at agency worker's rights and the possibilty of extending the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to the entire recruitment industry.

Reynolds continues on the subject of licensing: “The REC welcomed the introduction of the GLA but believes that it is too soon to begin discussing its extension.  We need to make sure the GLA is doing it's job, putting rogue labour providers out of business before extension can be considered.  REC supports measures to address instances where agency workers rights are undermined, but it is important that these measures do not hinder reputable labour providers and employers.”

The REC is represented on both the Gangmasters Licensing Authority board and the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform’s Vulnerable Workers Enforcement Forum to ensure that worker rights are upheld.

For further information, contact Susie Loughnane, Fiona McKenzie or Helen Ablett at Octopus for the REC on 01753 827 282

Notes to editor:

About the REC

The REC is the association for the £24.8 billion private recruitment and staffing industry in the UK, with over 8,000 corporate businesses and over 5,500 recruitment consultants in membership. All members must abide by a Code of Professional Practice.

The REC is able to speak on all aspects of the labour market, from employment legislation and workplace issues, to skills shortages, implications for the economy of changes in employment levels and the benefits of temporary work.

For more details, visit the website www.rec.uk.com 

Information on REC 360º Tracking Survey

The REC Industry Research Unit has worked with BMG Research since January 2006 to produce reliable month-on-month data on the recruitment industry and the views of agency workers, agencies and employers.  Each month, 100 survey responses from each group are gathered to provide a comprehensive ‘360º’ understanding of the Industry and how it changes over time.

Interviews with Agencies and Employers are conducted by telephone using a random stratified technique to ensure a representative sample. The Employer Survey focuses on organisations that have used Agency workers in the last 12 months. Agency Workers are sent postal questionnaires randomly selected from the books of Agencies and sent to BMG Research who administer and analyse the survey on behalf of the REC. BMG Research undertake all fieldwork and data analysis for the three tracking surveys.