In your corner: REC Campaigns and Policy news - 11 February 2021

February is here, and we are counting down the days to the Spring Budget like children waiting for Christmas to see if they get what they wrote to Santa about. The REC has been on the campaign trail to ensure the thoughts and concerns of the recruitment industry are well communicated before the big day on 3 March. Here are the highlights from the last fortnight. 

Brexit - the story’s not over yet

Brexit may be over but there are still deals to be made and trade policies to shape. This week the REC submitted written evidence to the Government’s EU Services Subcommittee to highlight our key takeaways from the deal. As part of our on-going work to shape immigration policy post Brexit, we will also be meeting with the Home Office next week to discuss sponsorship guidance. Members who want to feed into our discussion can contact us on policy@rec.uk.com. 

REC mention in Parliament 

On Friday 5 February Lib Dem Spokesperson for Education Daisy Cooper MP challenged the government over its refusal to allow education agencies to backdate furlough payments. We were pleased to hear her specifically mention the REC’s campaigning work on this matter in parliament. Indeed, there is growing support amongst MPs for our campaign and the REC will continue to push the government for change on this. 

Getting you D&I initiatives in place 

The REC was on the latest episode of the Recruitment Network’s Podcast. The episode featured an interview with REC’s Campaign Manager Ornella Nsio. Ornella shared news on what the REC is doing to support its members on D&I and gave advice on how agencies can position themselves as a key strategic partner for clients on this issue. You can listen to the podcast here. 

GLAA look to review compliance strategy 

The REC has submitted evidence to a consultation on the future of the GLAA's compliance strategy. As part of our efforts to lobby the GLAA ahead of our consultation submission, we met with Matthew Taylor (former Director of Labour Market Enforcement) and other stakeholders to discuss how to foster greater collaboration between the recruitment industry and the GLAA.  

Research Corner 

Latest research from the REC and KPMG UK Report on Jobs survey has shown a fall in the number of permanent appointments in January, despite the mild upturn in December. The fall has been driven by the reintroduction of national lockdown measures amid a rise in Coronavirus cases. At the same time, greater uncertainty over the outlook drove a further marked increase in temp billings.  

Events coming up 

The REC Blue-Collar sector webinar will be taking place on 18 February. The webinar is an ideal opportunity for recruiters working in the manufacturing, drivers, logistics and hospitality sector to gain an insight into the current and future opportunities and challenges to the sector. Places are free for REC members, sign up here.