November 2024

Taking member concerns to the highest level after a challenging Budget?

The new Government has been busy. The Budget, Industrial Strategy launch and Investment Summit have set out the economic path they wish to take, while the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) represents the biggest change to our jobs market in a generation.?

Looking back on all of this – from the supportive language about business and a positive role for recruiters in the Industrial Strategy, to a challenging, tax-raising Budget and new regulations – the role of the REC in standing up for recruitment is clearer than ever. Phased introduction of the ERB means we have secured the ability to get changes right before implementation, but there is so much still to do.??

We are going into battle for the sector??

At this crucial time, especially in a tough market, the REC is making sure we are using our voice on your behalf. Not just on specific issues of tax and regulation. If we want growth, we have to build confidence and that means talking up the potential of the economy, not just warning about the fiscal position!?

The REC has been around the table with senior Government Ministers and Senior Civil Servants, making these points. Just this week Neil Carberry , our Chief Executive, is in Number 10 to share your reactions to the Budget and the ERB.

Our message is they won’t get growth if the labour market is held back and if businesses don’t feel they can invest. That means moderation in their plans and confidence in their economic narrative.??

The change to Employer NICs is a huge challenge, as are plans to regulate zero hours contracts where workers are engaged by an employment business.??

Rest assured that in these meetings we are getting heard. Our campaign on the value of flexible work has given us a head start – but this is a Government still finding its feet in understanding how our modern labour market functions. As ever, we need your support to keep fighting your corner, so there has never been a more important moment to engage with the REC. Keep sharing your feedback with our team via ?[email protected].?

Empowering Employees: Understanding the changes and staying informed?

We’ve published our analysis of the Budget, and we are meeting with officials this week on some of the key points and next steps. NICs tops the list, naturally, but we're also meeting to discuss the details behind plans to pass liability for umbrella due diligence onto agencies. The REC's checklist and guidance for members will be more important than ever here.?

We’ve also set out our reading of the ERB. The good news is there is still a long period of consultation before implementation in 2026. The REC will keep members informed and ensure they stay engaged throughout the process.? Watch this space for details of our upcoming member meetings on this.?

Find out more about the REC’s support for our industry??

The REC is always here to keep you informed.? As well as sharing our views and providing industry data, we're out there speaking on your behalf.?

But it's a busy time and it can be difficult to keep track of everything that is going on. So we have co-ordinated updates into a single REC Labour Government Hub, with the most up to date position on policies and consultations.??

Next up, we'll be hosting a meeting for members specifically on the ERB, to be followed by our quarterly Talking Recruitment webinar - join our Deputy CEO, Kate Shoesmith , who will be sharing the campaigns latest plus finding from this year's Recruitment Industry Status Report to help you with business planning.??

We've got one other exciting development - as REC members, you also get exclusive access to AI Productivity Training with Google Digital Garage. Book your place today and equip your organisation with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in this evolving landscape.?

But more than this: we are always on hand, to provide information and advice. So if we can help, please get in touch.

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