In your corner: REC Campaigns and Policy news - 7 April 2022

Just when we thought we were turning a corner, we are seeing high numbers of Covid-19 infections across the UK, with as many as 1 in 13 people infected… just in time for the end of free testing too! The REC legal helpline stands ready to answer any questions you might have regarding tests and self-isolation.

This week, we saw some changes for employers and employees alike. This included a rise in the National Minimum Wage, National Insurance Contributions rose by 1.25 percentage points and Statutory Sick Pay will rise to £99.35, as well as rises in parental and bereavement leave pay.

April also marked the beginning of Ramadan, which might have an impact on part of your workforce. Read our blog about how to support your employees at this important time.

Digital Right to Work checks

Employers can now use Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to check a candidate's Right to Work (RTW). However, due to Home Office delays, the list of approved IDVT providers has not yet been published. The REC has chased the Home Office for clarity so that members can begin to integrate the new technology into their processes. In the meantime, the adjusted checks introduced in March 2020 will remain in place until 30 September 2022. The REC is continuing to push Home Office on keeping costs manageable. The Home Office have issued an FAQ guide on some of the day to day commercial and business implications of the new system so that employers can make informed decisions on how best to use the new technology.

The Home Office have also published an updated version of their employer's guide to right to work checks. This has been updated to include new information following the legislative changes from 6th April. This guidance also includes a new section on Ukraine, to support employers seeking guidance on what documentation Ukrainian nationals will need to prove their right to work.

Department for Transport (DfT) call for evidence

The REC is putting together a response to the DfT call for evidence, seeking views and ideas about the skills challenges across the transport sector, to inform future strategy. This is an opportunity for the industry to collaborate with government. We want to ensure our response reflects members’ views so please do share your thoughts with us on:

• What skills does the transport sector need for the future?
• How can current qualification and training routes be made more accessible for those who want to pursue a career in the transport sector?
• Effective ways to attract young people and career changers into a career in the transport sector.
• What are the barriers to further increasing diversity, inclusion and social mobility in the transport sector and how can we reduce those?

Please share any feedback with Luiza at luiza.gomes@rec.uk.com by 22 April 2022.

Time to drive up standards – improving roadside facilities

In an interview with the Safety Management Magazine, from the British Safety Council, Luiza Paludo Gomes, REC Campaigns Advisor, shared the industry’s view on the importance of improving roadside facilities as a way of attracting and retaining talent.

New price card from NHSE/I and what the REC is doing for you

The REC is aware of healthcare members’ disappointment about the newly published price card 2022/23 for agencies by NHS England and Improvement (NHSE/I). From the significant delay in publication to reduced agency fees due to the NI increase, there are a number of points that the REC will be raising with key decision-makers. We are currently developing a campaign and communications plan to help raise the voice of our members on this important issue. We will also continue to call for a review of the current framework and price cap system, which isn’t fit for purpose. Members can follow our activities through our sector hub or LinkedIn group. Read our initial response to this issue. We are keen to hear more views from healthcare members, so please get in touch via policy@rec.uk.com to share your thoughts.

Kickstart award

Nominations are now open for employers to nominate their young people for a Kickstart award in one of the six categories:

• Gone the extra mile
• Showing amazing innovation
• Overcome obstacles
• Helped others
• Most progress made
• Significant contribution

Nominations for these awards are open from 24 March to 22 April 2022.

Changes in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW)

NMW and NLW rates changed on 1 April. Acas have put together a number of resources to support employers and employees to navigate these changes, including two webinars with HMRC. You can also find more information on the Government CheckYourPay portal.

Apprenticeship levy turns five

Wednesday marked five years since the apprenticeship levy was introduced in the UK. Neil Carberry joined the podcast of the EDSK think thank to discuss the levy legacy, effect so far, and how it can be improved for the future. As part of his Spring Statement, the Chancellor committed to look at whether the Apprenticeship Levy is “doing enough to incentivise businesses to invest in the right kinds of training” – the REC is feeding into HM Treasury and the Department for Education (DfE) on how the levy can be improved, and we’d encourage members to take the opportunity to do the same. If you’d like to share any views with us, please email policy@rec.uk.com.

Research corner

In partnership with Cendex, we are providing salary benchmarking data exclusively to REC members. We want to help you understand the market for recruitment skills, so that you are equipped to attract and retain talented recruitment consultants. In the coming months, we will supplement this initial report with more data and practical guides to provide you with the tools to navigate these challenging times. We are also publishing the latest Report on Jobs on Friday, so keep an eye out for the latest insight on recruitment activity.

Media corner

The REC’s latest Labour Market Tracker was published last Friday, and was covered by outlets such as The Times and Reuters. This week, labour shortages have been back in the news with sectors like aviation and agriculture warning of severe shortages affecting their operations. Neil Carberry spoke to the BBC on World Business Report and to the Mail Online about where these problems have come from and what can be done to solve them.