REC launch Agency Workers Regulations support programme

Over the next nine months, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) will launch the next stage of the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) support programme.
The AWR in October 2011will mean contractors (under umbrella companies) who would have worked in the same contract job for 12 weeks will be eligible for equivalent salaries and working benefits as permanent employees.

However confusion about the real meanings of the AWR for employers has been clearly noticed. To minimise the different misunderstandings this implicates, the REC has launched a structured implementation programme to help UK businesses, including IT recruitment agencies, throughout the change, supporting them to prepare themselves, clients, staff and contractors for the transition.
The Recruiter reports that the REC's programme will deliver in-house training to organisations, and produce webinars, sector-specific advice and toolkits.

Kevin Green, chief executive REC said: "The aim has always been to secure the best possible outcome for recruiters and to minimise the impact that the regulations will have on our market. Following a decade of lobbying in Westminster and Brussels, it's now all about helping the industry to gear up for implementation."

Green has been in continued contact with Ed Davey, the minister for employment relations to be fully informed of the AWR's progress. Speaking of their recent meeting on 14th December, Green also mentioned their recent meeting on 14th December: "We were delighted that the minister accepted our invitation to visit the REC office. The meeting was significant. There is a genuine desire to engage with the industry and we will continue to take the view and concerns of our members to the highest levels of Government."