AI promises a lot. But where is it actually creating value? Next week at RECLive26, Georgina Huntley (ManpowerGroup), Dries De Coster (meet DWIGHT) and Alyx Peters (Network Recruitment Wales), alongside Maxine Bligh (REC) will tackle one of the biggest questions facing recruitment leaders today: What's working, what's not, and what's next? Expect honest discussion, practical examples and real-world insight from leaders who are navigating these challenges every day. If you're looking for less hype and more substance, this is a session you won't want to miss. 🎟️ RECLive26 takes place next week. Book your place now: bit.ly/4qVZBhE #RECLive26 #AIinRecruitment #RecruitmentLeaders

Flexible work protections must not come at the cost of jobs and opportunity. We’re urging the Government to take a practical approach to guaranteed hours proposals to avoid reducing hiring, limiting flexibility and pushing work into less regulated models. Read our response: bit.ly/4d8Z4W4

New FOI data raises serious questions about current NHS staffing policy. The findings show that in some NHS trusts, Bank shifts are costing significantly more than agency cover, challenging claims that reducing agency staffing automatically cuts costs. We’ve written to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee requesting an inquiry into the impact of current policy on costs, workforce planning and patient care. We’re also calling for an urgent review of NHS staffing policy, including greater engagement with regulated agency providers, as the NHS prepares its 10 Year Workforce Plan. Read more ⬇️ bit.ly/3R2QwHx

“The UK recruitment market is, I feel, still one of the leaders globally.” In the latest #TalkingRecruitment podcast, the REC’s Maxine Bligh is joined by Jurgen Jaarsma from People 2.0 and Ross Thompson from Infinity Staff Global to discuss: 🔹 International growth opportunities 🔹 Offshore hiring & global talent shortages 🔹 Flexible working expectations 🔹 Compliance & trusted partners 🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/491w1jK #RECPodcast

This morning, we published the latest @RECPress #ReportOnJobs with our friends @SPGlobalPMI & @kpmguk and reporting on @RECmembers March billings. tl;dr - pretty much flat, little sign of an immediate Gulf effect, and the best overall report for quite some time. (1/)

Patients will lose out due to a blind spot in the NHS staff survey. We’re calling on the NHS to include agency workers in the annual survey. Excluding them leaves a major gap in understanding workforce pressures and the impact on patient care. More: bit.ly/46XXWB0

The latest Labour Market Tracker shows a job market beginning to bounce back. Active job postings reached 1,435,910 in Jan 2026, up 3% on December and 0.6% year-on-year. Growth is strongest in IT, engineering, marketing and sales. But regional disparities remain. Find out more: bit.ly/4qNg7jS #LabourMarketTracker #LMT

Super article this morning on the workings of wages, unemployment & inflation. David’s right - we mustn’t forget the effects of long-delayed unwinding of inactivity as a contributor, or that Government policy is holding job creation back, a particular worry for younger workers.

“Doing nothing is not an option.” REC’s Lorraine Laryea explains exactly why recruiters must act now ahead of the April umbrella changes. These roadshows provide comprehensive tax and legal insight, plus practical, workable solutions you can take straight back into your business — from guiding consultants, to managing client conversations, to challenging and engaging umbrella companies with confidence. This is not a presentation. It’s a problem-solving workshop designed to help you mitigate risk, protect your business and prepare properly for what’s coming. The cost of getting this wrong could be significant. 📍 March dates – limited availability 🎟️ Book now before it’s too late bit.ly/4p5RRJ4

In a fast‑moving recruitment landscape, having trusted support behind your business matters more than ever. That’s why so many recruitment leaders choose the REC - for standards that build credibility and set you apart, insight that keeps you ahead of change and advice that helps you lead with confidence. See what REC Corporate Membership can unlock for your organisation 👉 ow.ly/uFi650YgF05 #MembershipThatMatters #Recruiters #Standards

Great to work with @indeedflex to bring hiring firms together with policy makers @HouseofCommons on Weds. We discussed the necessity of the contingent workforce & why care with the Emp Rights Act is in everyone's interest. Thanks to @griffitha for hosting & Govt reps for joining.

Clients can't tactically talent manage their way out of changes that are happening now. Bigger thinking is needed. They will need help & advice - and could pay £££ to some consultancy, or get a better service, more efficiently & effectively working with professional @recmembers

Comes with the drawback of having to work with me… The Chair is a vital role. Our Board ensure @RECPress is always run in @RECmembers interest, governed correctly and led by an exec team that are both supported and challenged to deliver their best.

Today’s government consultation on how agency work should be regulated is an important one. I hope that Govt will approach the work it sets out in the spirit of protecting the million people who. Went to work via agencies today. Those needing flexibility. Highly skilled… (1/)

New REC FOI findings raise serious concerns about NHS agency staffing cuts and patient safety. As winter pressures mount, many NHS Trusts reduced agency use without assessing the impact on patient care. A “cut first, consider later” approach risks patient safety and value for money. The REC is urging DHSC to work with staffing experts on a safer, more sustainable workforce plan. Read more 👇 bit.ly/49MccNE

Today's LMT suggests the traditional Dec slowdown was a bit slower this year than last - no surprise given stuff being kicked back ahead of the Budget. By the time Budget done, most firms didn't have time to get going before Christmas. Jan & Feb will tell us where we really are.

Finished my day here yesterday, as Government marked the passing of the Employment Rights Act. There is much still to do with these new rules to ensure that they maintain growth and employment - the best workers rights are provided by successful employers who can invest.

Christmas leave questions coming up? Our final legal update of 2025 covers annual leave, rolled-over holiday and safeguarding issues recruiters should be aware of this festive season. Read more 👉 bit.ly/4p7l9He

It was great to welcome Employment Relations Minister Kate Dearden to @RECPress yesterday for an open and honest discussion with @RECmembers about the next stage for the Employment Rights Bill and what needs to happen to make things workable. (1/)

Agreed. And this is the fire Govt are playing with on business confidence. On the Employment Rights Bill, supporting business to raise these numbers will do exponentially more for working people than another bit or red tape that unions want but workers don’t care about.