The Recruitment and Employment Confederation reports that it has today received confirmation from Government that, despite media reports of a high-level review, the Agency Work Regulations (AWR) will come into force as planned.

According to a just-released REC statement, Department of Business,Innovation and Skills (BIS) officials advised the REC that AWR implementation will go ahead as expected. Senior members of the department will also continue to meet with the REC over the coming months to monitor the impact of the new regulations.

Commenting, Kevin Green, REC Chief Executive said: “Whilst we would have welcomed any moves to make life easier for our members, it was always unlikely that any changes would be made at this late stage.

“We have written to the Prime Minister this week to emphasise the need to monitor the practical impact of the regulations on the industry, and we will continue to push for an early review.

“Our other ongoing priority is to continue helping members to prepare, and to influence how employers respond by underlining the ongoing benefits of a flexible workforce.”