REC supports Government initiative on vulnerable agency workers

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has today submitted its response to the Governmentís consultation on vulnerable agency workers.

Commenting on the response, Anne Fairweather, External Relations Manager, said: ìThe REC welcomes the Governmentís approach to agency work. The DTI rightly recognises that agency work plays a vital role as a gateway to a permanent job as well as a choice for many workers who want to best manage the balance between their work and family life.

ìHowever it is vital that agency workers do not find themselves in vulnerable situations and this consultation outlines practical steps to address these issues.î

Belinda Brooke, Head of Legal Services added: ìThe REC is very supportive of the DTIís approach to tackling exploitation in the agency work sector. The proposals on the provision of loans and services to agency workers should reach the right balance between protecting vulnerable workers whilst allowing agencies who offer genuinely useful services to workers to continue to do so.

ìWe also welcome the proposed simplification of requirements around Regulation 21 on information requirements for short assignments of five days or less in length. This change envisaged would result in the Regulations reflecting the practical reality of placing on these assignments.î