Following a Cabinet reshuffle last week, Norman Lamb MP is the new Employment Relations Minister replacing Edward Davey MP, who has been appointed Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

This is the weekly snapshot of REC and IRP activities including events, launches, external meetings and policy developments with implications for the recruitment industry.

The REC has responded to the BIS Select Committee's inquiry into apprenticeships, as National Apprenticeships Week 2012 begins.The submission highlights key points made by recruiters at the REC's roundtable on apprenticeships which was held with BIS Select Committee Chair Adrian Bailey MP in December 2011.

With key functions of the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) due to be transferred to the new Teaching Agency from March 31st, the REC is taking forward a number of queries and concerns over how the change will impact on individual teachers and supply agencies.

As noted by Recruiter yesterday, City recruiters are welcoming Boris Johnson’s ambitious play for the business of the French financial services sector with a cautious optimism.

The REC policy team met this week with senior representatives of the Scotland Office. The aim was to explore further opportunities for recruiters in Scotland to make a difference and feed into forthcoming initiatives on skills and youth employment.

Following Immigration Minister Damian Green's speech on increased 'selectivity' for immigration policy, the REC has expressed concerns about the impact on economic growth.

The REC has been invited to take part in a new Taskforce established by Ciett – the representative body for the global industry – to re-position and strengthen recruitment’s image worldwide.

The REC has been invited to involve its members in a round-table meeting with the CBI’s Chief Representative in China, Guy Drury, during his visit to the UK next month. The meeting will provide a first hand update on the latest developments and future prospects in the Far East.