REC responds to allegations of price fixing between NHS locum doctor supply

The Mail on Sunday (June 29th) reported that three locum doctor agencies have been accused of manipulating the market in the supply of locum staff.

In response to this story Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said:

“These are very serious allegations, which are currently being looked into by the NHS Purchasing And Supply Agency. If REC members have been found to have acted improperly, the matter will be immediately referred to our Professional Standards Committee. The REC expects its members to work to the highest recruitment standards and act within the law.”

The REC members abide by a Code of Professional Practice and complaints against members are thoroughly investigated.

Commenting further, Kevin Green underlined the vital role that locum agencies play in the NHS.

“The supply of specialist staff, often at the last minute, is a vital service to the NHS. This service is essential to cover sickness, annual leave and un-expected medical emergencies. These allegations should not distract from the important role that locum agencies play 24/7; ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve.”

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

About the REC:
The REC is the association for the £26.6 billion private recruitment and staffing industry in the UK, with over 8,000 recruitment agencies and over 6,000 recruitment consultants in membership. All members must abide by a Code of Professional Practice.

The REC has a dedicated sector group for recruitment agencies specialising in Education.

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.

For more information about the REC, visit the website, www.rec.uk.com or call 020 7009 2100.

E-mail: administrator@recruitmenttimes.co.uk