The chief executive of the Association of Technology Staffing Companies (ATSCo), Ann Swain, is concerned about how new codes of practice for the IT staffing industry will be enforced.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation's IT and Communica- tions sector group has launched two new codes of practice, for client and contractor relationships, in conjunction with the Professional Contractors Group, which has launched its own code for contractors.

But Swain, whose group was not consulted on the codes, says she is concerned that the codes do not go into enough depth.

Swain told Recruiter: "It's always good to have codes of practice, but I expected more detail. The ATSCo code of practice has 35 points. This is not as detailed.

"I'd also be interested to know how the PCG is going to utilise a disciplinary procedure among its members."

But John Kell, policy officer at the PCG, told Recruiter: "There is only one sanction we would make, and that is to ask any contractor not living up to the standards they said they would to stop using our kitemark. I'm surprised that it is an area of concern."

Kell also defended the code's depth: "The whole point of the exercise was not to have a detailed and laborious set of commitments, but rather concise sets of points which all sides want to see." Jeff Brooks, head of the REC's IT and Communications sector group, said: "This is the start of a journey. I think we've got something which is robust and a start-point."

The REC's client relationship code includes: only forwarding CVs from candidates who have given permission, making no changes to CVs without approval and advising on legislation changes.

The REC's contractor relationship codes include informing candidates of the result of any interview arranged by them, only advertise current and unfilled vacancies, acknowledge all applications and provide information on PAYE, umbrella or limited company status.

The PCG's code includes attending interviews as arranged, abiding by agreed notice periods, and sticking to a rate once this is agreed with the agency, unless the role proves different to that which was originally discussed.