“Whatever shape the new government takes, now more than ever, it will need to listen to sensible and practical advice as it steers the country through difficult Brexit negotiations.” says Adrian Marlowe, chairman of the Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC).
“High on the governments list, at a time of financial uncertainty, should be the need to create an environment that is attractive to both internal and external investors. One of the conditions for that will be suitable flexibility in the workforce.
“As debate about future direction evolves, there is an opportunity to influence the new government. The Taylor Review is due to report this summer, and its outcome is likely to bear strongly on our sector. To help ensure that the recruitment industry is not side-lined there needs to be unity behind a single, strong voice that calls for a modern and progressive vision for labour relations.”
ARC has been articulating this position since it launched its own manifesto last year. Marlowe concludes, “Our positions remain the same as we call on the new government to:
- adopt a single, positive, overarching policy towards the recruitment sector
- scrap antiquated tests in the agency tax rules and implement a simplified tax policy towards contractor supply
- remove ambiguities in employment status rules, with a set of rights for agency workers that is clear and distinct, so that we can all focus on progress rather than dispute.
“At a time of uncertainty, ARC will continue to reiterate its faith in the recruitment industry as a leading component of our socio-economic make up.”
Full details of ARC’s proposals can be found by visiting https://www.arc-org.net/arc-manifesto-2016/
