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REC Scotland highlights public sector challenge for recruiters

REC Scotland's latest Employment Policy Forum provided feedback on the current state of the jobs market as well as on the external challenges facing recruiters in Scotland.

Specific areas of concern include new regulations such as the EU Agency Workers Directive and the impact of public expenditure cuts on recruitment activity in the public sector.

Procurement Scotland and CGCope took part in the Forum meeting to discuss general procurement policy issues and to respond to specific concerns such as the administrative impact that lengthy PQQ stages have for SMEs and the delay the roll-out of the new Procurement Scotland framework.

On the issue of public sector resourcing, the REC recently launched a high-profile campaign to underline the importance of flexible staffing to the delivery of front-line services and to highlight the added value that agencies provide.  

Commenting on the overall outlook for public sector recruitment in Scotland, Lisa Boutineau of Munro Interim and Director of REC Scotland said:

"It is important that recruitment agencies continue to work with the public sector in Scotland to resource staff effectively. The use of interim and specialist contractors who have the proven skills to be put to work quickly and for a limited duration can avoid the costs associated with permanent employment within the public sector. This is a particularly important consideration as the purse strings of the public sector begin to tighten." 

Whilst unemployment has declined across the UK, it is still rising in Scotland with an increase of 10,000 in January. Discussions with REC members in Scotland will continue to provide valuable feedback on current trends and hiring intentions of Scottish employers.

REC Scotland will continue to raise awareness of industry concerns with organisations such as the Scottish Procurement Directorate (SPD) and will also drive specific campaigns on other issues such as the operation of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Act in Scotland.

For more information on the REC Scotland Employment Policy Forum, please contact  jason.clayton@rec.uk.com   For details of the REC's Public Sector Resourcing Campaign go to: http://www.rec.uk.com/resourcing