The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has had to accept defeat in its battle to have temporary agency work included in the scope of the European Services Directive on cross-border recruitment.

Commenting on the announcement Gareth Osborne (pictured), managing director of the REC said: “This is a missed opportunity for Europe. Europe's leaders make grand declarations concerning the creation of jobs and greater flexibility. However when push comes to shove they succumb to the protectionist fears of some countries and the European trade unions. Simplifying the cross border provision of temporary work services in Europe would lead to new jobs and greater mobility of workers.”

The REC met with senior Commission officials in the past weeks to seek a last minute understanding on this issue. Although its comments were taken on board, Osborne said it was “always likely” that the Commission would follow the vote of the Parliament. The REC said it will continue to work with our European association, Eurociett, to ensure that the true opportunities of temporary agency work are realised in Europe.