Discussions between the government and recruitment bodies regarding the AWR are going ahead as promised.
Ed Davey, the employment relations minister, recently visited the offices of the REC to give an update on the guidance for AWR. The REC has also been invited to consult on AWR workshops to make sure recruiters are ready for the implementation of the new regulations next October.
As well as talking about the AWR, other industry topics such as pensions regulations, travel dispensation schemes and pre-packed administrations were discussed. Mr. Davey also confirmed that the government will not extend current licensing arrangements but invited members of the REC to put forward their ideas on an alternative enforcement regime.
The chief executive of the REC, Kevin Green, said he was delighted that Davey visited the REC’s office and met some of the members. Green believes that the government is genuinely keen to engage with the recruitment industry and the REC will continue to pass on the opinions and concerns of its members to the coalition.
Meanwhile, Adrian Marlowe from the ARC has said that temporary assignments should be seen as attractive opportunities. He highlighted some of the benefits associated with temp work such as varied locations, gaining experience and the chance to use and develop different skill sets.
Once the AWR come into force, temporary workers will be entitled to equal pay and the same terms and conditions as permanent workers employed in a similar job. However, the public sector has cut its spend on agency workers by 30% recently.
Tom Hadley from the REC is keen to point out that agency staff make a vital contribution to the delivery of front-line services. The private sector is increasingly realising the advantages that temporary workers bring in providing cost effective staffing solutions and yet the public sector maintains the believe that agency staff are unnecessary and can be done without.
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