REC takes concerns of the UK recruitment industry to Brussels

With discussions between EU Governments continuing to intensify on the proposed Agency Workers Directive, the Recruitment and Employment Confederationís External Relations were Brussels-bound this week to take forward the concerns of the UK recruitment industry with key players within the European Commission and European Parliament.

Commenting on the visit Tom Hadley, the RECís Director of External Relations, said:
ìIt was very encouraging to see that there is now a greater understanding of the UK temp model and recognition for the important role that agency work plays within a vibrant and modern labour market.

ìThis is a positive development and we also welcome the confirmation from senior European Commission officials that it was not their intention to bring about any new legislation that would damage job creation in the UK. However, the REC reiterated the industryís concerns that the current draft of the Directive could have a significant impact on the UK temporary work market and that proposed equal treatment provisions would be extremely difficult to implement in practiceî.

The ongoing discussions in Brussels are taking place against a backdrop of intense Trade Union pressure for a Directive to be agreed.

In response to the latest TUC press statement released earlier today and focusing on training issues, Tom Hadley says: ìThe Trade Union suggestion that temporary work hinders the development and training opportunities of workers is wholly wide of the mark. Many temporary workers access training from both agencies and clients where they are placed to work.

ìIn addition, by far the best way of learning new skills is actually ëon the jobí ñ in particular through longer-term placements. The feedback from agency workers themselves confirms that one of the main benefits of temporary work is the learning opportunities that it provides from working in different roles and work-places. The TUC argument can be turned on its head, as recruitment agencies are often in an ideal position to identify the training and skills that workers need to further their career.î

Upskilling the workforce is a key concern of the UK recruitment industry, especially with candidate shortages at an all time high in a number of sectors. As a result the REC is represented on a number of Government and Sector Skills Councils Working Groups.

Further discussions on the EU Agency Workers Directive are taking place this week in Brussels and will be taken forward by Government Ministers at the Employment Council on December 5th.

As well as taking forward its own pro-active lobbying campaign, the REC is working with Eurociett ñ the representative body for the recruitment industry in Europe ñ to ensure that any agreed Directive is workable and does not have a negative impact on the industry.