The Construction Sector Group of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is launching a new code of practice for its members, the first of its kind for construction recruiters.

The code, which adds to rules laid down in the REC’s Code of Professional Practice which all REC members agree to abide by when they sign up, has five additional points to raise construction standards following consultation with members of the sector group and other interested parties.

Trevor Rees, chairman of the Construction Sector Group, explained: "The Code covers the key areas such as training, safety,  work relationships in permanent recruitment, ethical international recruitment and respect for diversity.  These are key issues where REC construction recruiters can lead the way in raising standards above and beyond what already exists in the Code of Professional Practice."

Adding industry support to the code, Stephen Ratcliffe, chief executive of the Construction Confederation, said: "We welcome the code of practice and REC’s determination to ensure compliance as an important development in the achievement and maintenance of high standards throughout our industry."

Copies of the code are available from the REC website, www.rec.uk.com/about-recruitment/sectors/construction