REC response to ONS labour market figures, December 2024

The ONS has published its latest labour market statistics this morning. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Chief Executive Neil Carberry said: 

“Today’s labour market statistics show that there is still much to do to address business concerns about the direction of travel. Across the year, firms have been communicating confidence about their own firms but worries about the outlook. These firms want to drive growth, but for now are feeling the impacts of the increase in Employers National Insurance and are worried about the undercooked Employment Rights Bill. Today’s figures show a 1.5% increase in the number of temporary employees – a confirmation again of how much businesses and workers need flexibility especially when the economy is uncertain.

“NHS employment rising is only good if it is addressing waiting lists - Government risks damaging progress by failing to plan for workforce properly, including a sustainable strategy for agency.  From keeping the NHS on its feet to helping people find their first steps in work, government needs to embrace the many ways in which people work today if it is to be successful. Backing temporary workers matters to our economy – but most of all to the temps themselves.”

Notes to editors

Britain’s temporary labour market is working well for people, firms and the modern economy – with about 1 million temps working every day. Its success at bringing and retaining people in the labour force is vital to the new government’s central mission of driving growth. We're proud to share the voices of temporary workers - showing first-hand the impact temporary work has on the lives of individuals. These stories emphasise how important it is that employment regulation protects workers, but doesn't stop people from accessing flexible work. The 'Voice of the worker' campaign is underpinned by our survey of 520 temp agency workers in Britain in June 2024, where we asked why agency work matters to them.

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The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.