Latest news from policy and research

Enterprise Nation  

The REC is partnering with Enterprise Nation to deliver a government-backed scheme providing free one-to-one advice and support to help you through the coronavirus pandemic and to prepare for long-term recovery.  

The Recovery Advice for Business scheme offers bespoke specialist assistance from accountancy, legal, advertising, marketing, recruitment and digital to help businesses adapt to difficult circumstances and to bounce back as the UK economy recovers. Over 12,000 advisers in the Enterprise Nation community are available to provide advice through the platform. The scheme is open to small businesses throughout the UK and Enterprise Nation is providing free access to the platform, until 31st December 2020. REC members who would like to use the service should contact policy@rec.uk.com for their unique REC code. 

Temporary healthcare

Writing in the Health Service Journal, Chief Executive of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, Neil Carberry, has outlined how Covid-19 has proven the unique value that healthcare recruiters and agency staff bring. The REC believes that the most effective way forward is through a formal partnership between the staffing industry, the Department for Health and Social Care and the NHS; and we will be pushing for this in the coming weeks.  

Finance Act - IR35 changes will happen in April 2021

On 22 July, the Finance Bill received Royal Assent and became the Finance Act 2020. There were no amends to the off payroll working rules, therefore the reforms are now law and will be implemented from 6 April 2021. The REC legal guide has been updated and we will soon be announcing new dates for IR35 training.  

Meetings

• Last week, the REC met with DWP, IEP and the employment learning and skills group, to feed in how the recruitment industry can help support the government’s employment program as announced in the Summer Statement to help people get back into work.  
• Brexit, immigration and trade remain firmly on the REC policy and campaigns agenda. In the last two weeks we have continued to engage with the Home Office and press for publication of the trade and immigration rules as soon as is possible to allow employers time to prepare. We will also be responding to the trade consultation. 

Comprehensive Spending Review and tax

The Chancellor has launched the Comprehensive Spending Review consultation. The Review, which will be published in the autumn, will set out the Government's spending plans for Parliament. One of the key priorities will be how to strengthen the UK’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The REC will be writing to HM Treasury to suggest new policies to strengthen the jobs market.  

Alongside the Comprehensive Spending Review, HM Treasury have also launched nine new tax consultations, eleven draft clauses for the next Finance Bill, and published a ten-year plan for Making Tax Digital. Two of the consultations are on tackling tax avoidance schemes. The REC will be responding to the consultation and, as always, we welcome any feedback or comments members have. 

We would particularly welcome evidence to inform our response,  please contact policy@rec.uk.com  

Right to Work checks – have your say direct to the APPG enquiry

The Covid19 crisis has included a change in the way Right to Work checks take place. We know from members that this change has been welcome and so we have lobbied BEIS and the Home Office to keep the change. Now is your opportunity have your say to the APPG here. Responses should be sent to andrew.henderson@wychwoodconsultingltd.co.uk 

The survey is also open to end clients.