Kwarteng gave the opening keynote speech at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)’s RECLive2021 conference this morning [29 June 2021]. In his brief remarks, Kwarteng said: “I know that the work you’re doing in terms of recruitment in bringing people into the economy is a crucial job; it’s a crucial role.

“As we look to ‘build back better’, here in government, we have our plan for growth. But clearly, any plans for growth rely on a strong and agile workforce, and the role that you play in recruiting people and bringing people to finding great jobs is absolutely critical.”

Kwarteng went on to say that he believes 2021 is “a really good year and has some particular cause for optimism”. As examples, he pointed to the Covid-19 vaccines rollout, which should allow the UK to reopen the full economy, and the negotiated Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with Europe at the end of 2020. He also said participation in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) also reflects the UK’s “really key leadership role” in the fight against climate change.

“All of these things suggest to me that 2021 is a good year for business, a good year for the British economy. And then that makes the role that recruiters play absolutely essential,” Kwarteng said.

“I’d like to commend you on the great work that you’re doing. I think there’s still a huge role for you… to play, and my department looks forward very much to working with many of you to drive economic opportunity forward, to combine with the government’s levelling-up agenda… I think we can really achieve great things.” 

The conference continues through this afternoon.

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