In your corner: REC Campaigns and Policy news - 14 January 2021

2021, the year we were all waiting for, the conclusion of Brexit negotiations and an end to the transition period, with Covid-19 mass vaccination to boot.  And what a start of the year it has been. First, the Brexit deal. A thin but welcomed platform to build on, but work needed on implementation, and to ensure there are provisions on key areas for the industry, such as equivalence on professional qualifications. You can read REC’s response and watch the Brexit Realities webinar where key speakers discussed the deal in more detail.

And, on Covid, we’re faced with a third nation-wide lockdown, school closures and a new more contagious variant. Check the Covid hub for guidance to help you navigate this lockdown.

REC’s first win of the year

Following strong campaigning by the REC, NHS England have issued guidance to NHS Trusts instructing them to include all agency staff in their vaccine plans as per the Green Book rules. As of Monday 11^th January, all Trusts in England will become ‘vaccine hubs’ and all health and social care staff (regardless of the setting they work in) will receive their vaccinations at their local hub. We are seeking details on the logistical arrangements of the process, but there is assurance that agency workers will be included in the plans. We have also written to the Minister for Covid Vaccine Deployment, Nadhim Zahawi MP, regarding extending this scheme to teachers and other non-clinical front line workers.

We will be discussing Covid vaccination and testing at our next Health & Social Care sector meeting on the 9 February – members can sign-up for free here.

REC calls on Chancellor and Education Secretary to provide more support for recruitment firms

Following  the third national lockdown, the REC has written to the Chancellor to urge him to provide more support for cash strapped recruitment firms. For the benefit of safeguarding jobs during this period of business closure, the REC is calling on the Treasury to delay the rollout of IR35, cover the national insurance contributions and pension costs for employees on furlough and for support to directors of limited companies.

The REC has written to the Education Secretary to request immediate support for supply teachers and agencies following the closure of schools. Schools and agencies need additional support to ensure supply teachers are protected during this time. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Recruitment industry diversity audit

The REC and the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) are carrying out the recruitment industry's first ever diversity audit. This will provide us with a holistic view of the industry in terms of diversity, equality, and inclusion, allowing the REC to create diversity strategies that deliver real benefits to those working in our industry. To help foster greater diversity in the industry, please complete this anonymous survey to share your experiences.

How to build your business abroad

The REC has a strong relationship with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and we are keen to support members to develop their international strategy. Trading with the EU has changed following the end of the transition period, representing an opportunity for businesses looking to develop an international presence. DIT helps UK companies in a number of ways and has agreed to participate in an REC webinar to talk about their services, and the support they can tailor for recruitment businesses. Join us for the webinar on 29 January by registering here.

Non-compete clauses and the GLAA - counsultations

• BEIS last year announced a consultation on the reform of non-compete clauses in employment contracts.
• The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) is consulting on its new compliance strategy and asking for views on how it inspects licence holders and new applicants.

To feed into REC’s response to the consultations above, please email policy@rec.uk.com

Research Corner

Last Friday, we published our latest Report on Jobs which signalled a renewed rise in permanent placements at the end of 2020, as increased market activity and vaccine news led some firms to press on with hiring plans. At the same time, temp billings rose at the sharpest pace for over two years, as companies often opted for short-term staff due to lingering uncertainty around  (COVID-19) and Brexit.

Look out for more detailed sector and regional data from our Jobs Recovery Tracker tomorrow.