In your corner: REC Campaigns and Policy news - 16 December 2021

As we begin to wind down for the Christmas break, we have an opportunity to take stock, looking back at what we’ve achieved in 2021 and planning for the new year. 2021 has been an incredibly busy year for the REC campaigns team, but our commitment to getting members voices heard at every level of government has also led to a number of successes – more on that below.

As this is our final campaign update of the year, we wanted to take the opportunity to wish each and every one of our members a very healthy and happy Christmas, and best wishes for 2022!

2021 highlights

Recruitment and Recovery: Earlier this year, we launched our Recruitment and Recovery report, which highlighted the role of the recruitment industry and had over 7,000 views. This resulted in meetings with parliamentarians and helped us secure over 60 pieces of media coverage.

Diversity and Inclusion: In summer, the REC and APSCo published the UK Recruitment. Diversity and Inclusion Index to measure the state of D&I in the industry and set out useful ways to improve it. In addition, we appointed two Diversity and Inclusion ambassadors; Scarlett Allen-Horton and Ugo Monye to help us profile the importance of a diverse and inclusive recruitment industry. We were delighted to have Scarlett present our Diversity Champion Award at our 2021 REC Awards in November.

Digital Right to Work checks: The REC has continually and successfully lobbied for Digital Right To Work (RTW) checks to remain in place, post-pandemic. This included organising roundtable meetings with the Home Office, drafting letters and raising the issue in the media. At this stage, in-person checks are set to return in April 2022 though discussions with Home Office continue, and we continue to push for a permanent solution. The tenacity of the REC and the relevance of these delays for the industry was recognised by our nomination for "Outstanding Advocacy" by the World Employment Confederation (WEC).

Labour and Skills Shortages Campaign: In August, we surveyed our members to understand the extent of the labour shortages issues faced by every sector – in September, we launched our Labour and Skills Shortages campaign, using those findings. Our campaign resulted in front page media coverage in the Financial Times and Metro, invitations to give evidence to two Select Committees, three ministerial meetings, eight meetings with MPs and a number of parliamentary questions tabled. Following calls from the REC, we also saw changes regarding roadside facilities, temporary visas, and training offers (Skills Bootcamps) announced.

Working with Government: In October, the REC and Department for Work and Pensions renewed our partnership agreement to support people into employment. The new agreement lasts until 2025.

Recruitment Industry Status Report: Without doubt, it’s been a tumultuous 20 months and although challenges still lie ahead, we’re so encouraged by the strength, resilience and ability of our industry to bounce back, keep supporting businesses, get more people into work, and support the economic recovery. Our Recruitment Industry Status Report was launched yesterday and it makes for some encouraging Christmas reading!

REC in the media: By the end of November, the REC had appeared in the national press 700 times and had over 7,500 media hits.