We were applauding a new initiative from the REC this week, which seeks to make those working in Government more aware of how flexible workers such as umbrella contractors can help the UK economy in 2012 and beyond! The new Flexible Work Commission which has been launched by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation has been designed to highlight the benefit of ‘skilled flexible workers’ to people working within Government, so that they can more fully understand how these workers can add benefit for employers across the UK.

The Commission, chaired by former Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce David Frost CBE, will give the Government ‘practical proposals on re-energising the market in flexible labour’ and will also find out more about how employers are using flexible working arrangements within their businesses already. We’re sure that the Government will soon see how flexible working, such as the hiring of contractors who operate through umbrella companies, can improve career prospects and enhance skills development for individuals, whilst also increasing productivity for the organisations which employ them. One of the most fundamental aims of the new REC initiative is to encourage the use of skilled yet flexible expertise such as that provided by umbrella contractors, all of which will help employers to access the specialisms they require.

Commenting on the new Commission, REC Chief Executive Kevin Green said, “In the current economic climate, companies need to consider how best to organise their workforce in order to compete and bring the right skills into the business. The flexible staffing solutions developed by employers and recruiters will help UK businesses respond quickly to new opportunities. The Commission will take stock of the latest trends and innovations and will lead the debate on how Government can best ensure that, post-AWR, the UK continues to benefits from a dynamic and flexible labour market.”

David Frost explained further, “Our flexible labour market is seen as one of the UK’s major competitive advantages. Quantifying the benefits to business and workers and identifying ways of enhancing this flexibility are the core aims of the Commission. This initiative will not only drive forward the political debate, but will also develop practical solutions for employers on maximising the benefits of flexible working arrangements.”