The REC have provided their latest ‘AWR Monitor’ update, which gathers both data and feedback from agencies and clients in order to provide a snapshot of what impact the regulations are having. With the one year anniversary of the Agency Workers Regulations fast approaching, the REC have summarised some of the recent key trends from recruiters and employers.
Based on the information gathered in their recent Report on Jobs, the REC have found that the impact of the AWR has varied by sector, but that overall temporary and contract opportunities had reduced over recent months.
They did report through their Jobs Outlook that employers were more optimistic with long term hiring intentions, with more planning to take on agency staff in the future. This suggests that after some initial AWR worries, employers are now more aware of the regulations and how they affect employment decisions.
The REC have also continued in their role to represent the recruitment sector by holding regional and sector based groups meetings, in order to gather feedback and look at specific issues. They said that one of these included the status of Limited Company Contractors, which is an issue that has been in the news regarding those working within the public sector
In summary the REC said that they will also continue to work with organisations such as the CBI and the Department for Business, Innovations & Skills in order to assess the AWR and associated regulations moving forwards. Regarding the recruiters and contractors they represent, they added “the flexibility that temporary work provides is one of the reasons that unemployment has not risen further during the longest and deepest recession for fifty years.”
ICS work with a team of experts in employment and tax law to ensure our services are fully compliant with existing IR35 legislation and the latest government regulations, such as the AWR. You can contact us now for a tailored proposal based on your individual circumstances as a contractor.
