This week sees a number of new regulations coming into force, including revisions to the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations, the principal piece of legislation covering the recruitment industry.

The REC's drivers’ sector group which represents those recruiters working within the freight and logistics industry, has warned that an implementation of the EU Commission’s proposals to limit trailer height to four metres would lead to an inefficient haulage industry.

The REC has responded to the HMRC discussion paper on improving the operation of Pay as You Earn (PAYE). The discussion paper laid out plans streamline the PAYE process, to limit instances of incorrect tax deductions and to reduce administrative costs for both businesses and the government.

BAA, the airport operator, has confirmed to the REC that following a successful trial period, recruitment firms are now eligible to join its ID scheme for staffing suppliers.

There is still time to book places at the REC’s regional Agency Workers Regulation (AWR) Workshops which are being held over the next three months.

The REC was invited to attend the Home Office’s Business Advisory Panel Meeting last week to put forward the views of its members on a number of topical issues, including immigration policy, vetting and barring and better regulation.

The REC's new pharmaceutical and scientific group, the only specialist sector group representing the interests of the industry, will focus on championing best practice.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation is urging the Government to take a more flexible approach to immigration. This follows reports that the interim immigration cap is leading to qualified social worker shortages and affecting service provision to the most vulnerable users.

The REC has offered its congratulations to Ed Milliband on his appointment as the new Leader of the Opposition.

The REC was at this week’s Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Liverpool, their first since the coalition Government was formed in May. A number of the debates – on jobs, public sector cuts and future skills needs, for example - were of direct relevance to the recruitment industry.