Recruitment Matters February 2014

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Recruitment Matters Issue 22 February 2014

Trade Association of the Year

What’s inside The Intelligence 2 -3 and REC Talk

Theresa May visits the REC to discuss worker exploitation

Spotting green shoots It is estimated that nearly 30 million people around the world are trapped in modern slavery. Recruiters can often help prevent and spot this type of exploitation, as we explore in this issue of Recruitment Matters on pages 4-5. In October, the Home Secretary Theresa May spoke at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) about her department’s work to crack down on worker exploitation. After the meeting, the REC’s chief executive Kevin Green said: “The REC has a strong relationship with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and the Home Office, and a shared commitment to eradicating worker exploitation from labour supply chains. We strongly support Theresa May’s plan for an modern slavery bill to address the infiltration of the UK’s labour market by criminal gangs and human traffickers.” One example of an industry in which worker exploitation is common is flower picking. The GLA is calling on agencies that provide flower pickers in Cornwall, as well as the growers themselves, to join them in helping to stamp out worker exploitation through the current season. Problems have been experienced in past years when daffodil picking gets underway in the county, says the GLA, with migrant workers arriving to find their working and living

conditions in the UK do not match what was described. GLA chief executive Paul Broadbent said: “With a large influx of migrant workers to any area over a relatively short period of time, opportunities exist to exploit these vulnerable people who have little or no command of English. “The majority of operators adhere to the necessary regulations in place to protect workers, but there are some unscrupulous businesses who, driven by profit, may underpay or mistreat their workers – cutting corners to make money. “From our perspective, the messages are simple – labour agencies supplying workers for flower picking need to have a current GLA licence and must comply with our licensing standards. Flower growers using labour provided by a gangmaster should only employ pickers from licensed operators and should treat those workers fairly and with respect at all times. If in doubt, call the GLA and we will help you. “And to everyone else in Cornwall, if you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place or workers are being exploited in any way, contact us free and in confidence on 0800 432 0804.” To learn how you can help – and what red flags to look out for – read our expert advice on page 4.

The skills gap, the year ahead for the REC policy makers and how to make the most of economic growth

The plight of 4-5 modern day slavery The government and labour bodies are trying to stop worker exploitation. Here’s how recruiters can help

Update and Business Matters 6Legal The legal lowdown and REC’s new business partner IT First

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Institute of Recruitment Professionals We speak to Steve Perkins from Orgtel and Ian Alexander from MAA International Ltd

Best Events and Training 8 The REC Audited Education and the new City Conference Tours

www.rec.uk.com RM p1-FEB.indd 27

06/02/2014 09:52


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