The trade body has warned it is receiving an increasing number of complaints about agencies masquerading as members since the start of the year.

Tom Hadley, external relations director at the REC, said the problem was a “big issue” and that the body was investigating 30 cases.

Harry Takhar, managing director at blue collar recruiter Bridge Contract Services, told Recruiter: “I fully support the REC protecting its brand. We don’t want rogue providers operating under our umbrella.”