Government announces creation of single enforcement body

The government has officially announced that it will be creating a single enforcement body to protect the rights of workers and clamp down on bad practice in the labour market. This will see the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Enforcement combined into a single body – more detail can be found here.

Responding to the announcement, Kate Shoesmith, Deputy CEO of the REC, said:

“It's good to hear that the government is starting to move forward with its plan to create a single labour market enforcement body – something we have long asked for. This single body should encourage closer collaboration between the different strands of labour market enforcement and make it easier for workers to redress issues. The REC has also called for a similar one stop shop for umbrella companies. 

“We hope government press on with this quickly. Merging the current enforcement bodies will be complex, and the new body will need to be properly resourced to work effectively. Government must also ensure the single body has the powers it needs to drive real change. We have offered to work with government on the detail of how these powers might be extended using our extensive insight from the frontline of the labour market. Recruiters want a robust and fair labour market where workers rights are protected and compliant businesses can thrive. We look forward to working with the new single enforcement body on ensuring best practice and clamping down on abuses.”

For more information and interview enquiries, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2129 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829.