Despite the growing number of jobseekers available, there are a number of specific areas where employers and recruiters find it very difficult to get the right calibre of staff. The REC is in regular contact with the Home Office and other government departments to take forward the feedback of members in terms of where these shortages persist.

The REC has been invited onto a new EU-wide working group focusing on the major challenges facing the recruitment industry across Europe during the economic downturn.

The REC was invited to take part today in the launch event for the Anderson Review which focuses on the guidance and support needs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Over the last few months, the REC has taken forward the views and concerns of agencies with regards to the new contract for non-clinical temporary staff within the NHS.

Candidates who are successful in getting a new job but who fail to disclose specific information on issues such as health matters or their previous career history may find it proves costly in the long term, the REC has warned.

Jobseekers should be given the strongest possible safeguards to ensure their personal details do not end up in the possession of fraudsters, the REC has said.

The way that recruitment services are bought in by both public and private sector clients is one of the major challenges for the industry.

The UK’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers received 88 entries for the 2009 staging of its Formula Student collegiate racecar design competition in the first two hours after registration opened on January 20.