Agency workers directive back on the agenda

Following the Dutch Presidency’s announcement to return the EU Agency Workers Directive (AWD) to the European political agenda, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the industry body for the private recruitment sector in the UK is calling for the directive to be urgently amended. The provision of effective recruitment solutions is increasingly seen as the backbone of a flexible, dynamic and inclusive labour market. The REC believes that the AWD threatens to remove this adaptability, jeopardising the British recruitment market, as well as individual job seekers opportunities.

Although, the AWD was successfully blocked in 2003 following the strong line taken by the UK Government aided by the REC, the industry body has continued to work behind the scenes in Europe in preparation for when the directive returned to the political agenda.

The REC’s ongoing actions may prove to be prudent in light of the Dutch commitment to the directive. Domestically, the REC has been liasing closely with Department for Trade and Industry officials to bolster Britain’s position, that the AWD must be amended. The REC has also been working with the Board of the French Federation seeking to change the French Government’s position and has also met with representatives from the Spanish and Portuguese governments

Last month, the REC published its Manifesto that was issued to all newly elected MEP’s. The manifesto highlights the major contribution made by the recruitment industry across the European Union and calls for candidates to fight to amend the proposed directive. The REC Manifesto highlights the crucial role that temporary workers play within the UK labour market and illustrates the benefits to maintaining a responsive employment market.

Commenting on the alarming development, Gareth Osborne, Managing Director of the REC said:

The current draft of the directive will undermine the targets set out in the Lisbon Agenda - those of improving competitiveness and labour market participation. Recruitment is a high skill industry, providing a premium service to a demanding client base and adds enormous value to the UK economy. It is vital to ensure that the provision of effective recruitment solutions is encouraged and that the UK continues to resist this potentially damaging legislation.

For further information, please contact the REC press office on 0207 618 9106. A copy of the manifesto can be found at

For further information, please contact the REC press office on 0207 618 9106 Notes to Editors

*There are 1.3 million temporary workers registered with UK agencies, and up to 1 million temps are deployed in industry, commerce and the public services every day. Temps, from professionally qualified and highly skilled workers to first time market entrants and returners, are a valuable and flexible component of the UK labour market.

*The REC is the association for the 23 billion private recruitment and staffing industry in the UK, with over 6,000 recruitment agencies and over 8,000 recruitment consultants in membership.

*All members must abide by a Code of Good Recruitment Practice.