Roger Tweedy has been named as the new director of research for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

His new role will involve setting up a research unit to provide industry data.

Tweedy joined Blue Arrow in 2001 as head of communications and planning. In 2002, he was given responsibility for marketing and helped launch the firm’s diversity programme.

He said of his appointment: “Having worked for a recruitment agency, I know that there is very little research undertaken in comparison with the size and turnover of the industry.

“It is critical that the industry monitors its economic growth so that we can both collectively and individually strengthen our roots and strategically plan for the future.”