The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has expressed concern about the Home Office’s introduction of strict controls for Bulgarian and Romanian workers when the Eastern European states join the EU in January.

Marcia Roberts, chief executive of the REC says: “The opening of our labour markets to the countries of central and eastern Europe has been extremely beneficial to the UK economy. Our monthly survey Report on Jobs reveals that the demand for workers in sectors such as construction and HGV driving persist so it is a shame that the Home Office has opted for a fudge when it comes to workers from Romania and Bulgaria.

“Citizens of these countries will be able to travel freely to the UK and we fear that if they are not allowed to work legally, they may fall prey to illegal operations,” she adds.

“Unfortunately today’s decision makes it more complicated to recruit from these countries and will lead to greater confusion for recruitment agencies who have to check eligibility to work.”

The REC will continue to press the Home Office to enforce its immigration rules effectively.  It is equally important that the DTI and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority effectively enforce against those acting as illegal agencies, to the detriment of both workers and legitimate recruitment agencies.