Recruitment sector calls for joined up thinking

by Susie Hughes at 13:59 17/02/17 (News on IR35)

The contractor sector must speak with one voice to achieve positive results, - was the key message to emerge from a recent conference from the Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC).

“One message, one voice, new supportive legislation” was the call from ARC Chairman, Adrian Marlowe, the IR35 and Apprenticeship Levy conference. Calling for all recruitment businesses to support the campaigns for modernisation and a new joined up positive policy by government towards the sector, Mr Marlowe said: “All staffing and contractor supply businesses have the same need for a long term supportive legislative platform that allows flexibility and recognises the socio economic benefits that our important sector provides. "All recruitment businesses therefore have a stake in achieving a better future without onerous administrative and tax requirements. Recruitment businesses should be willing to assert their common position. Fragmentation and lack of support from those with different interests can only undermine efforts for improvement.” Brexit Referring to ARC’s Brexit Manifesto launched in autumn 2016, Mr Marlowe said: “Last year we set out our overriding campaign, a call for joined up thinking at Government level and to modernise the tax rules for agencies in particular so that the UK can be a better place in which to do business for both local and foreign investors. It’s in our DNA to support staffing and contractor supply businesses – this focus ensures our message is not diluted.” IR35 The call to an audience that included some of the UK’s leading recruitment businesses, followed evidence from a specialist panel of recruiters that contractors in the public sector are already turning down jobs as a result of the proposed new IR35 rules, with the inevitable conclusion that public sector cost will increase exponentially. Advertisement Mr Marlowe said: “This is simply madness at a time when the public sector is already fully stretched and expert staff is in short supply. “The onus on agencies to determine IR35 tax status appears to be an unsuitable hammer to crack the HMRC nut, and the online tool seems to conflict with general legal principles. These fundamental legal issues need to be challenged. “We believe that no stone should be left unturned. Our lawyers advise that this should be pursued urgently and on a show of hands 100% of attendees agreed.” Apprenticeship levy Experts from EEF and Key Training spoke on the apprenticeship levy indicating amongst other things, that there is little opportunity for agencies to use the levy in any meaningful way. Mr Marlowe said: “We agree with the principles of the levy but the way it affects agencies and excludes agency workers does not seem fair amounting to little more than a straightforward tax.” This message was echoed by Mark Bull, CEO of Randstad UK and Middle East who said: “The recruitment industry needs to speak with one voice if it’s to get us at the Government table and shape legislation”. Mr Marlowe concluded: “There is no joined up approach at Government level. The result is that we see complaint and criticism as the lead story, and the legislative approach then follows. As we call for joined up thinking in Government, we ourselves must all work together to get the right outcome.” Tweet -- If you wish to comment on this article, please log in and use the Reply button below. Registering is free and easy - see 'Join Shout99'. - Susie Hughes © Shout99 2017

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