Recruitment is one of the UK business sectors that could benefit when the EU Services Directive comes into force at the end of the year. 

And UK companies operating in the services sector - such as recruitment companies - should take advantage of new opportunities, business minister Ian Lucas has urged.

The aim of the Services Directive is to reduce the barriers and red tape that can make it more difficult for service providers to enter new markets and compete outside of their home country. Recruitment is one of the sectors which could benefit, along with construction, leisure and hospitality, accountancy and legal services.

Lucas says: “Services account for about 70% of GDP but only 20% of cross-border trade in the EU. But the market for services in Europe is opening up. It’s important that UK firm, including SMEs, are ready to grasp the opportunities this presents for new jobs and growth.”

Among the provisions of the Directive is a requirement for EU Member States to establish web portals so that service providers have a single point of contact to find out what legal requirements they must fulfil to operate in the country in question.  This one-stop shop must then allow service providers to apply electronically for any licence or permit they need.

UK companies will be able to access portals to do business in other countries through a central page on the European Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm