The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has responded to the government’s consultation on improving enforcement of the national minimum wage and employments agency standards.

Tom Hadley (pictured), director of external relations at the REC, says: “Recruitment agencies are already very tightly regulated but this is not enough unless the government cracks down on the small number of agencies that are flouting the law. The REC welcomes the new tougher penalties regime for rule breakers and the fact that the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate will have more powers.  But these tough changes need to be coupled with an effective risk-based enforcement regime that makes the most of the inspectorate’s resources.”

Higher fines for those that breach the national minimum wage rules are also welcomed. “Businesses that pay under the minimum wage are a threat to workers and other legitimate businesses who they can undercut. We are encouraged to see better co-operation between different government enforcement agencies, this needs to be built upon to make sure that unscrupulous companies are put out of business,” adds Hadley.