The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is planning a raft of new initiatives aimed at raising standards in the industry.

Next year, the REC will embark on a consultation with members to gauge their views on how the industry is regulated. The self-regulation option could go down the ombudsman route, said REC deputy chief executive Marcia Roberts (pictured). But those in favour of more regulation may ask for the REC code to become statutory or advocate the re-introduction of licensing.

“The industry may not want further regulation, but it doesn’t want cowboy practices either. So we will consult on how we want to go forward,” added Roberts.

The trade body is also negotiating with universities to introduce a degree in recruitment. And it has plans to establish an enterprise agency for new start-ups, backed by Department of Trade and Industry funding. Roberts said this would be “a more comprehensive package than what is currently available”, with practical help and information on how people can run their businesses.