Nearly 200 agencies turned down for REC membership

Nick Elvin

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has revealed that 193 recruitment agencies have been denied REC membership for failing to meet its compliance standards.

Of that total, 83 are former members who failed to pass the REC compliance test which was introduced in July 2012. Members had until December 31, 2014 to pass the test and prove adherence to the REC Code of Professional Practice.

Passing the compliance test is now a prerequisite for REC membership, and 110 applicants have been denied entry because they have been unable to meet the required standards.

The REC compliance test involves demonstrating sound understanding of the REC Code of Professional Practice, knowledge of relevant industry legislation, and committing to high ethical standards. REC members are now required to complete the compliance test every two years.

REC chief executive Kevin Green said: “Ninety-five per cent of our members passed the compliance test before the December deadline and that’s terrific news. We have lost a few members because they couldn’t satisfy us that they met our high standards, but the upshot is that we now know all of our members are committed to being compliant and to upholding high standards.

“We’re looking forward to working with our members to continually drive up standards and improve the reputation of our industry.”

Meanwhile, the REC has ended its investigation into Age Enterprise (trading as Connect London), following the company’s report that it had ceased trading.

The REC launched an investigation following an episode of Watchdog on BBC One (aired November 27, 2014) which included footage of staff at Connect London telling candidates they could only be provided with recruitment services if they paid for training courses also supplied by their business.

The organisation also reported Connect London to the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate within the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, which has the power to prosecute if they find that an agency has broken the law.

Kevin Green said: “The Watchdog footage appeared to show activity which is in breach of the conduct regulations and in stark contrast to the high standards expected of REC members. We take complaints of this kind extremely seriously and we are committed to shining a light on the small minority of individuals and businesses who bring our industry into disrepute.

“Following Connect London’s indication to us that they have closed down, we notified their directors that they are no longer a member of the REC. This brings our investigation to an end.”