REC Response to BIS Statement on Enforcement Reforms

The government has confirmed reforms to enforcement in the recruitment sector which will split responsibilities between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and HMRC. First outlined last July in the government’s response to the 'Reforming the Regulatory Framework' consultation, the announcement was made today via a written statement from Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs Jo Swinson.

Responding, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) director of policy, Tom Hadley says:

“We are pleased that the government has listened to industry concerns, which were backed by other organisations including the TUC, and is maintaining an enforcement apparatus. The original intention was to rely solely on tribunals. Today’s announcement explicitly recognises the fact that effective enforcement is crucial in order to protect the interests of workers and ensure a level playing field for law abiding businesses in our sector.

“This new structure must be implemented effectively, and we have called for a guarantee that all complaints are properly investigated. We emphasised this to the Minister in person last month, and will continue to work constructively with officials to ensure that the future regulatory landscape facilitates industry growth and enables compliant businesses to thrive.”
Ends