The chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation has responded to plans by IT/technology and engineering trade body ATSCo to expand its membership to other ‘professional’ sectors.  
 
The cover story in the 26 November issue of Recruiter, focuses on the Association of Technology Staffing Companies’ plans. This would find membership open to recruitment firms operating in such sectors as accountancy, finance/banking, HR, legal and pharmaceutical, among others.
 
ATSCo says the expansion stems from a belief that recruitment firms, specialising in ‘professional’ sectors, have different needs than ‘high street’ firms. The move could potentially see ATSCo and the REC vying for more of the same members. The REC represents all sectors.
 
Speaking to Recruiter, REC CEO Kevin Green said: “We can’t influence what others do but as the fifth largest trade body in the UK and the only one representing the whole recruitment industry, we believe that in the current economic and regulatory environment the industry should speak with one voice. Our focus will be on continuing to provide world class services and lobbying to enhance the professionalism of the industry and support our members businesses.”