The number of people out of work in the UK rose 244,000 to 2.22 million in the first three months of 2009, the Office of National Statistics has revealed today.

Commenting on the significance of the Government consultation on implementing the Agency Workers Directive launched today, REC Chief Executive Kevin Green says: "The stakes are extremely high for business, the £22 billion temp market and for the employment landscape in the UK.

The REC's Chief Executive Kevin Green will be hosting key meetings with North West Region members next week (May 13 and 14).

A report out today by the Department of Transport has revealed a significant drop in the numbers of heavy goods vehicles now operating on the UK’s roads resulting in a fivefold rise in the numbers of drivers now seeking work.

The REC is today launching a survey of its membership to address possible challenges due to new rules which from 2012 will require recruiters to automatically enrol agency workers onto a pension scheme.

The REC has responded to the proposed protest tomorrow (Thursday May 7) by construction workers against the use of agency workers at the 2012 Olympics site in east London.

April's Report on Jobs published today points to another easing in the pace of labour market deterioration as appointments and vacancies declined at slower rates.