The REC is today (Tuesday February 1) launching one of the most extensive support programmes it has ever mounted. It is focused on helping REC members prepare their businesses, staff, clients and temporary workers for the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations on October 1 this year.
The programme, Your AWR Advisor, comprises a wide range of guidance services and products, all of which are available exclusively to REC members. The package includes webinars, an extended AWR tool kit, client packs, sector-specific briefings, model documents, legal support and in-house training for frontline consultants. The next AWR webinar will be held on Monday February 21 and the AWR will also be one of the main topics of the REC’s Compliance Summit on April 7. A similar package will also be available for IRP members.
The REC is currently working closely with the Department for Business Innovation and Skills on the development of the Government’s official AWR guidance document which is likely to be finalised in April. The REC has launched this programme now to enable recruiters to start preparing now and to provide a suite of practical services to ease the implementation of equal treatment measures.
Commenting on the launch of Your AWR Advisor, Kevin Green, the REC’s Chief Executive said:
“Following a decade of lobbying in Westminster and Brussels, we are fast approaching the final stretch. The next nine months will be crucial in terms of implementation.
“As well as continuing to work with Government on the official guidance, our aim is to minimise the impact on recruiters and their clients. The programme we are launching today will ensure that every single REC member can get to grips with the necessary changes and plan ahead. REC members will have the task of making these regulations work in practice. The REC’s task is to provide all the advice and guidance necessary.”
Kevin Green added: “A poll during the REC’s last webinar in December revealed that 63 per cent of recruiters felt they needed more information and support on the regulations. ‘Your AWR Advisor’ is the outcome of this feedback and is based on the regular input from members at sector group meetings, regional events, policy committees and training workshops.
“Being ahead of the game will enable REC members to demonstrate real added value to their clients in the run-up to October 2011.
Full details of Your AWR Advisor can be found by visiting www.rec.uk.com/awr