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Temporary workers a vital option in Government training initiative, says REC

Employers will still need to consider using the option of temporary workers while permanent staff take time out for additional training, the REC has said in response to a new initiative launched by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Responding to the announcement of a consultation paper on how 22 million workers will be able to use a new legal right to request time for training, Anne Fairweather, the REC’s Head of Public Policy commented: “

This is a positive move to help employees reach their fullest potential within their places of work. However, with 300,000 people predicted annually to ask for such skills training, we believe many employers will have to look to temporary or agency workers to cover these absences.

“It is vital that the Government protects the viability of the UK temp worker model. Any introduction of extra flexibility for workers needs to be matched equally with a flexible option for employers. The Government needs to consider this matter seriously when implementing the Agency Workers Directive.”

The REC will be working hard to ensure that the implementation of the Agency Workers Directive does not harm those groups of temporary workers who choose to continue working along these lines, or employers’ access to this vital flexible resource.

The Government’s Time to Train consultation is open to all employers and employees in England, with a closing date of September 10.