A partnership dating back to 2012 between the REC and the DWP about helping people to access and progress in work was re-signed yesterday, with a new focus on post-pandemic conditions.

This agreement, originally established in 2012, sets out how the REC and DWP will work together to help people access and progress in work – especially those furthest away from the labour market. This will include sharing knowledge and intelligence, acting as champions for diverse and inclusive hiring, and leading the debate on the future of work and ‘green’ jobs.

As part of the agreement, the REC and DWP will also look to establish how the employment industry can work across multiple government departments, including the Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to tackle labour and skills shortages now and in the future.

The REC’s CEO Neil Carberry met with Mims Davies MP, the employment minister, yesterday [Thursday, 21 October] to refresh and re-sign the partnership (pictured).

“Today’s world of work looks very different to two years ago, with the pandemic having amplified and accelerated some big shifts in our jobs market,” said Carberry. “Now that the recovery is well underway – and with labour shortages emerging across the economy – support for the unemployed is a vital part of the response our economy needs. It’s vital the right thing to do is to open up the opportunities people need to find good work and progress their careers. This is the perfect time to refresh this partnership and we look forward to demonstrating how the recruitment industry can work together with DWP, as well as other government departments, to solve the big issues Britain faces at work, as we level up together.”

Davies added: “As we continue to push ahead with our national recovery, I’m delighted to renew DWP’s partnership with REC, furthering our collective commitment and mutual efforts to help employers recruit and to ensure people have support they need – at any age and any career stage – to build new skills, seize that next opportunity, and progress in work.”

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