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REC in the news – Monthly Media Watch

The REC’s 2010 press campaign got off to a flying start with widespread coverage in January especially in the national print and broadcast.

Highlights from last month were live interviews on BBC Radio Four, BBC Five Live and CNBC Europe, pieces in the FT, Daily Mirror, Guardian and Independent and coverage in regional and sectoral press.

Areas covered included the REC’s latest jobs market data, our response to the final AWD regulations, the industry line on procurement of recruitment services and the positive role that recruiters are playing in providing pro-active support to job-seekers.  

Commenting on the media coverage in January, Alison Henderson, the REC’s Press Manager said:  

“This has been an excellent start to 2010. The REC is recognised as an authoritative voice on labour market and employment issues and we have continued to build our links with key media players such as the Financial Times, the Evening Standard and the BBC. 

"As well as underpinning specific lobbying and awareness raising campaigns, press activities over the coming year will continue to shine the light on how the industry contributes to the UK economy and on how recruiters make a real difference in changing people’s lives.” 

Specific media highlights from last month included:  

• Live interviews with Kevin Green on BBC Radio Four, BBC Five Live and      CNBC Europe on the back of the January Report on Jobs; 
• Coverage in the Financial Times, Daily Mirror, Guardian and Independent for the REC’s line on latest job market trends;  
• Specific coverage for the REC’s response to the final AWD regulations in national press such as the Financial Times as well as in HR and business publications;  
• Two page feature in public procurement magazine arguing the need for the procurement of recruitment services to balance cost control with quality of service;  
• Strong regional coverage, including a local radio interview of Clive Hutchings, the REC’s South-East Regional Director on youth unemployment issues; 
• REC London Regional Director Jes Ladva was featured in the Evening Standard piece on re-applying for your own job (with a tenuous link Jonathan Ross’s announcement that he was not renegotiating his BBC contract!);  
• Philip Curry, the REC’s External Relations Advisor appeared on the BBC’s Politics Show in Scotland, commenting on the role that recruiters are playing in providing targeted job-search support for unemployed professionals; 
• Live BBC South  interview with REC Director of External Relations Tom Hadley on the added value of using agencies;  
• Sector press coverage, including an interview with Bill Haynes, chair of the REC Accountancy and Financial Services Sector Group, on current salary trends and coverage for the REC’s retention of the DCSF Quality Mark contract for supply teacher agencies.  

The REC’s press and media is handled by Press Manager Alison Henderson, contact alison.henderson@rec.uk.com in conjunction with outsourced PR agency Octopus Communications, http://www.octopuscomms.net/.