REC'S CONSTRUCTION GROUP LAUNCHES NEW CODE OF PRACTICE

The Construction Sector Group of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is launching a new Code of Practice for its members, the first of its kind for construction recruiters.

The Code's purpose is to cover specific issues relating to the construction industry on top of what is already laid down in the REC's Code of Professional Practice to which all members agree to abide when they become REC members.

Five additional points relating to construction have been drawn up under the auspices of the Code following comments and consultations with members of the sector group and other interested parties.

Leading organisations such as the Construction Confederation have offered their support to the new Code.

Trevor Rees, Chair of the Construction Sector Group, explained: "The Code covers the key areas such as training, safety, work relationships in permanent recruitment, ethical international recruitment and respect for diversity. These are key issues where REC construction recruiters can lead the way in raising standards above and beyond what already exists in the Code of Professional Practice.

"Over the last year, I have met with many private and public sector clients of construction recruiters and this Code is aimed at addressing any concerns they hold about our sector. The Code will set a new standard of professionalism for construction recruitment.

"Our sector group members have been instrumental in driving this Code forward and we expect it to win much support from like-minded recruitment professionals, clients and candidates who are all keen to maintain the highest standards."

Helen Reynolds, the REC's Deputy Chief Executive Officer said: "We are continuously striving to raise standards within the recruitment industry and this latest initiative can only work to enhance and promote the work of this sector's professionals, all of whom have a genuine desire to continuously achieve the highest possible performance."

Adding industry support to the Code, Stephen Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of the Construction Confederation, said: "We welcome the Code of Practice and REC's determination to ensure compliance as an important development in the achievement and maintenance of high standards throughout our industry.

"The Code's aspirations, particularly with regard to site safety, training and treating workers fairly and with respect, are in line with the aims of the Construction Confederation and its member federations who are working vigorously to achieve improved and safer working conditions. This is vital, both to ensure the well-being of all those who work in our industry, and in order to encourage and attract young people to follow careers in construction."

Copies of the Code are available from the REC website:
http://www.rec.uk.com/about-recruitment/sectors/construction

End

For more information, please contact Alison Henderson, Press Manager, the REC, 020 7009 2157.

Press call:
You are cordially invited to a media briefing with Trevor Rees, Chair of the REC Construction Sector Group on Thursday February 7 at the Hilton Trafalgar Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, London at 2.45pm. Please call Alison Henderson to confirm attendance. Notes for Editors:

About the REC Construction Sector Group
The group was launched on Thursday February 23 2006 after splitting from the TEC sector group which then became the Technical and Engineering Group.

The Construction Sector is one of 13 specialist groups operated by the REC which represents the interests of the various niche markets within the recruitment industry. Each group has been set up at the request of members, where there have been specific issues affecting their markets and businesses.

About the REC
The REC, the Trade Association of the Year, is the representative body for the UK's £26.6 billion private recruitment and staffing industry with a membership comprising more than 8,000 corporate businesses and over 6,000 recruitment consultants. All corporate members must abide by a Code of Professional Practice and Professional Individual Members by a Code of Professional Ethics.

The REC is able to speak on all aspects of the labour market, from employment legislation and workplace issues, to skills shortages, implications for the economy of changes in employment levels and the benefits of temporary work.

07.02.08

E-mail: administrator@recruitmenttimes.co.uk