REC warns IT recruiters not to become complacent over AWR implementation

After the meeting the Recruitment and Employment Confederations Technology Chair, Jeff Brooks, said that “Many IT recruiters have assumed that, as their candidates are self-employed and better paid than their permanent equivalents, AWR would simply not affect them. However, areas have been highlighted where trouble could arise, and underlined how important it is that members fully prepare themselves. Recruiters who talk to their clients well in advance and make the transition as smooth as possible can in fact enjoy an advantage over their competitors. To help members to do this effectively, there is an excellent support package available through the REC’s website, and we are also developing specific guidance for recruiters dealing with self-employed workers and limited company contractors.”

The meeting comes at the same time as new research from the recruitment industry body suggests that ‘awareness levels’ of the new regulations are now at 70%, far higher than they were some 18 months ago. However the REC warned that only 10% of UK employers were planning to make specific changes to their businesses now to combat the changes, with a further 42% weighing up their options.

The Head of Policy at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, Gillian Econopouly, said that \”The fact that over 40% of employers are still considering their response to the regulations underlines how important it is for recruiters to be engaging with clients. For some employers, the AWR has been a catalyst for a more fundamental review of how they use flexible staff. In some cases, this may lead to a slight reduction in overall numbers.”

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