Recruitment & Employment Confederation

What are employers really looking for? Not the finished product, but people with the curiosity, resilience and willingness to learn. In her latest article for FE News, our Director of Campaigns Shazia Ejaz explores why employers are increasingly hiring for potential as well as skills. 🔗 fenews.co.uk/fe-voices/empl…

Looking for the latest updates on the Employment Rights Bill? Our hub brings together REC briefings, analysis and resources to help recruiters keep track of the Bill's progress and understand the potential impact on the labour market. Find out more🔗bit.ly/4x3XJro

🚨There are now less than two weeks to go until entries close for the #RECAwards26!! Every year, the awards recognise the individuals and businesses setting the standard for excellence across recruitment — the innovators, leaders and high performers shaping the future of the industry. 📍The 2026 awards will be held at the InterContinental London – The O2, a stunning new venue in Greenwich with excellent travel connections and hotels nearby to suit a variety of budgets. Whether you’re planning a well-earned night out for your team or looking to celebrate a successful year together, the evening promises to be one to remember. 💫Don’t leave your entry until the final days. Get drafting now, showcase your achievements and give your team the recognition they’ve earned. 👉bit.ly/4sN8Stu

Stay up to date with the latest developments in education recruitment at the REC's education sector meeting. Topics include: 🔹 Updates on the Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework (RM6376) 🔹 Q&A with a Government Commercial Agency representative 🔹 The REC's Employment Rights Act campaign, including Guaranteed Hours proposals 📅 24 June 2026 🕐 13:00–15:00 💻 Online 🎟 Free for REC members Book your place today. bit.ly/3RsXrdo

From January 2027, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims will reduce from two years to six months, with further changes on the horizon. Our latest two-part legal series examines the implications for employers. Exclusively for REC members: 🔗 bit.ly/4ubYVGh #UnfairDismissal #EmploymentRightsAct

Next week, some of the most influential leaders in recruitment, staffing and talent will gather at the LinkedIn Experience Centre for #RECLive26. The questions shaping the future of our industry won't be discussed in boardrooms alone. They'll be debated in this room. AI. Growth. Skills. Leadership. The future value of recruitment. The economic outlook. The opportunities ahead. If you're responsible for the direction of your business, this is where you'll gain perspective, challenge your thinking and hear how other leaders are responding to the same pressures and opportunities. Don't be the person hearing about the conversations afterwards. 🎟️ Limited places remain. Book now: bit.ly/4qVZBhE #RECLive26 #Leadership #Recruitment

Applications for REC Board and committee roles close at 09:00 on Monday 1 June. We're looking for people who can bring strategic insight and leadership experience to help shape the future of the recruitment industry. Roles include: • Independent Non-Executive Director • Independent committee members • Committee roles for REC members Apply by Monday: bit.ly/49sgIBI #Recruitment #Governance

💫Big achievements deserve a big stage. 📍For 2026, the REC Awards will take place at the InterContinental London – The O2, offering an incredible backdrop for the biggest night in recruitment. Set beside the world-famous O2 Arena, this year’s event is shaping up to be one to remember. ⏰❗If your team has put in the work over the past year, now’s the time to celebrate them properly. Enter the REC Awards 2026 and put your business in the room with the very best in the industry. Don't leave it too late! Enter now 👉bit.ly/4sN8Stu

#JobsOutlook: Employers still plan to hire, but confidence in the decision-making environment has weakened. Hiring outlooks for both permanent and temporary roles remained positive in February–April 2026, though sentiment eased slightly from the previous quarter. Key findings: 📉 Confidence in the UK economy fell to net: -43% 📊 Short-term permanent hiring sentiment: net: +5% 📈 Medium-term permanent hiring sentiment rose to net: +7% 📉 Short-term temporary hiring sentiment fell to net: +2% Read more: bit.ly/4u0RIc2

On today’s Alan Milburn report on youth worklessness, REC’s Shazia Ejaz said: “This is a reminder that we need business, government and education providers to go harder at the problem and work more closely together.” rec.uk.com/our-view/news/…

The countdown to #RECLive26 is officially on. On 9 June, recruitment leaders from across the industry will come together at the LinkedIn Experience Centre, London for a focused day of leadership insight, commercial discussion and valuable networking. This year’s agenda tackles some of the biggest issues shaping the future of recruitment: ✔ AI and operational efficiency ✔ Economic and labour market outlooks ✔ Leadership and growth ✔ Skills and workforce transformation ✔ The future value of recruitment services More than anything, #RECLive26 is about bringing the right people into the room — leaders looking for meaningful discussion, practical ideas and honest perspectives from peers and experts alike. With only two weeks to go and demand for places remaining high, now is the time to secure your ticket. 🎟️ Don’t leave it too late to book — with limited places remaining, you risk missing out on being part of this year’s Leaders Summit: bit.ly/4qVZBhE

Protecting your recruitment business means understanding the risks unique to the sector. In partnership with Marsh Commercial, REC Insurance Services provides you with tailored insurance protection to suit the needs of the recruitment industry. As an REC member, you’ll enjoy benefits such as reduced policy excesses, enhanced policy cover, and discounted premiums. REC members can also enjoy a special 10%* discount on recruitment agency insurance. Simply visit recinsurance.uk.com or call 0330 818 7634. #RECInsuranceServices #RECInsurance

“Technology doesn’t remove bias. It can scale it where bias already exists.” In the latest #TalkingRecruitment podcast, the REC’s EDI lead Dr Olga Frańczak is joined by Helen Tomlinson (Adecco) and Beth Foley (Liquid Friday) to discuss: 🔹 AI & inclusive hiring 🔹 Belonging, retention & culture 🔹 Why EDI is becoming more operational 🔹 What organisations should actually be measuring 🎧 Listen now bit.ly/491w1jK #RECPodcast

Thank you to everyone who joined our first Power Hour session with Dominic Waters of Paul Waters Associates. The session explored how recruitment businesses can take a more structured and objective approach to hiring sales talent – from identifying behaviours linked to long-term success to improving retention and avoiding costly mis-hires. A big thank you to Dominic for such an engaging discussion, and to everyone who shared questions and perspectives throughout. Missed the session? New Power Hour dates are coming up on 7 July and 30 September. Find out more and book your place: bit.ly/4wMK7kg

Join REC Chief Executive @RECNeil for the next #TalkingRecruitment webinar on 23 June, exploring the latest labour market and workforce trends shaping the recruitment industry. We’ll discuss: • The impact of April’s legislative changes • REC campaigning and policy work • The latest market and economic data Book your place: bit.ly/4tQ7832

Recruitment is at an inflection point. AI is reshaping workflows. Skills demands are evolving. Clients expect more strategic value. Growth looks different than it did five years ago. The leaders who succeed next won’t just react to change. They’ll understand it early and position their businesses accordingly. That’s exactly why #RECLive26 exists. A Leaders Summit bringing together senior recruitment leaders for honest discussion, practical insight and strategic thinking about where the industry goes next. 📅 9 June 📍 LinkedIn Experience Centre, London 🎫 bit.ly/4qVZBhE

There are now just 3 weeks left to enter the #RECAwards2026. Over the past year, your team will have overcome challenges, delivered results and made a real difference to clients and candidates alike. The awards are your chance to stop and recognise that hard work properly. Too often, businesses leave entries until the last minute and end up rushing the story they really deserve to tell. Starting now still gives you the time to reflect on your achievements, gather strong evidence and put forward an entry you can be proud of. Whether you win or not, entering the awards is a statement in itself — one that says your people, your progress and your standards matter. Don’t wait until the final deadline rush. Start your entry today and give it your best attempt 👉bit.ly/4sN8Stu

Another great REC–TRN Member Meetup in Oxford this week 👏 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on Tuesday for an engaging session packed with market insight, practical discussion and shared experiences from across the recruitment industry. From the latest policy and labour market updates to conversations around growth, performance and navigating change in 2026, it was fantastic to see members openly sharing ideas and challenges with peers. These meetups are all about bringing the industry together — and Oxford delivered exactly that. Keep an eye out for upcoming sessions and join us at a member meetup near you 👉 bit.ly/4sJIhOe

Training your team shouldn’t cost a fortune - and with The REC Academy, it doesn’t. Included in your Corporate Membership, this platform gives your recruiters access to practical, on-demand learning designed to build skills and drive performance. It’s professional development made easy and affordable. ✔️ Ready to upskill without added costs? Log in and get started today → bit.ly/4qGPDBv #RECAcademy #ValueForMembers #TrainSmarter #RecruitmentExcellence

💫 The #RECAwards have a brand-new home for 2026. This year, we’ll be celebrating at the stunning InterContinental London – The O2 in Greenwich, next to one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. It’s the perfect setting for a night dedicated to recognising the very best in recruitment. From celebrating achievements to bringing teams together, the #RECAwards26 are about more than trophies — they’re about recognising the hard work, determination and resilience that got you here. Enter now and give your team the night they deserve 👉 bit.ly/4sN8Stu