The REC response to the latest labour market statistics

The latest issue of the REC/KPMG Report on Jobs, published last week, paints an encouraging picture for the Technology sector.

Next week’s REC Education meeting will explore what recent changes in education mean for the recruitment industry with a range of external experts. Speakers include the head of the new Teaching Agency, who will update members on changes to the regulation of teachers.

Eurociett - the representative body for the recruitment industry in Europe - has this week responded to the European Commission's proposals for tackling youth unemployment across the EU. The submission provides tangible evidence of the industry's key role in helping young job-seekers - for example, through career guidance services and initiatives to raise awareness of the world of work.

Recruitment consultants reported a rise in permanent staff placements for the third month in succession during March, albeit at a slower pace than February’s nine-month high. In contrast, agencies’ temporary/contract staff billings decreased. Although moderate, it was the fastest drop in short-term appointments for over two-and-a-half years. Panel members frequently indicated that employers had chosen to convert temp workers into permanent employees due to the effect of Agency Worker Regulations.

The REC is continuing to track the impact of the Agency Workers Regulations through the monthly AWR Monitor. This collates the latest data on the agency market as well as the practical feedback from recruiters who have been at the forefront of trying to make the new regulations work on the ground.

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