REC launches Agency Work Commission to Safeguard UK temporary jobs

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has today (Thursday) launched its Agency Work Commission ahead of the Second Reading in the European Parliament next month (September) of the controversial EU Agency Workers Directive.

The Commission is made up of recruitment specialists as well as businesses and employment law experts. The aim is to make practical recommendations to Government on how the new EU rules can be implemented in a way that avoids an administrative minefield and does not ultimately jeopardise jobs – especially at delicate time for the UK labour market.

The Commission has been set up by the REC, the trade association representing the UKís private recruitment industry, following the Governmentís compromise deal on the EU Directive which should give temporary staff equal treatment with permanent workers after 12 weeks of an assignment.

Kevin Green, the RECís Chief Executive explained: ìIt is now time to concentrate on the feasibility of the proposed equal treatment provisions so that they meet the needs of employers who value the benefits of a continuing flexible labour market.

ìWe have a crucial part to play in influencing the progress of the AWD in its future phases. This we can only do by giving providers and users of temporary staff a chance to weigh up the options and give direct feedback to Government.î

The Commission has already attracted positive support from across the business spectrum. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – representing the HR sector – is represented on the commission and the REC has also invited the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Trades Union Congress (TUC) - to provide input.

In welcoming the setting up of the Commission, Richard Lambert, Director General of the CBI, said: ìIt is critical that the UK defends its vibrant and flexible labour market in these difficult economic circumstances.

ìThere is much work still to be done to ensure that any new rules on agency work do minimal damage to firms and agency workers. The RECís new commission will provide a valuable contribution to that process.î

The RECís aim is to also work constructively with the Trade Unions on a number of key issues and there is a shared agenda in term of ensuring that any new regulations are easy to administer.

Brendan Barber, the TUCís General Secretary commented: ìWorkers need protection from exploitation at work, as government and the EU now recognise. The TUC looks forward to working with employers, agencies and Ministers to ensure that protection in the UK is both effective and easy to administer.î

The Commission will provide a practical dimension to what has often been a heavily politicised debate. Channelling the feedback and input of HR practitioners as well as recruitment professionals is central to this aim.

Commenting on this, CIPD Chief Executive Jackie Orme says: ìAgency working plays an important part in the UKís flexible labour market. It works for employers seeking to manage fluctuating demand, and for thousands of individuals who choose agency working as a way of managing their careers and working lives. Weíll be contributing to the new commission on behalf of our members to ensure that the new regulations are straightforward, workable and donít create unnecessary burdens.î

It is unlikely that any EU regulations on agency workers will be activated until 2010. However, the REC has taken the lead in ensuring that all details of equal treatment provisions that may be included in the AWD are workable in maintaining flexibility within the UKís workforce. To this end, the Commission will focus on a number of key areas which will have a significant bearing on those regulations being workable.

They are:
ï The scope of what equal treatment covers
ï Different dispute resolutions to avoid a possible rise in tribunal cases
ï Acknowledging the need to exempt limited company contractors
ï Identifying special issues relating to smaller employers where there are no formal pay bands
ï Workplace agreements that would derogate from the regulations