APSCo News

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has launched a new online, interactive Learning Hub to help recruitment businesses manage staff training while also putting control of development into the hands of employees.

The recruitment sector is still plagued by the ‘boys club’ stereotype, according to a recent poll from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

Here are the top 10 takeaways distilled from the sessions, offering invaluable insights into navigating the AI landscape and harnessing its power effectively:

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has welcomed today’s publication of the Responsible AI in Recruitment Guidance, which incorporates the trade association’s own advice and insights.

In the rapidly changing and ever-evolving landscape of professional recruitment, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force, reshaping the way we work, hire, and thrive. APSCo’s upcoming AI Decoded virtual conference promises to a fresh perspective for recruiters eager to harness the power of AI for their commercial and operational success.

The Chancellor demonstrated clear intentions to win over voters with tax cuts to National Insurance and proof that his long-term growth and investment policies are bearing fruit. The Chancellor’s approach remains consistent from the Autumn Statement with continued monetary boosts to specific sectors, such as renewables and life sciences and construction projects including Barking and Canary Wharf. He suggests two-thirds of new jobs since 2019 are outside London, which is not necessarily borne out by APSCo’s sector research. 

Recent research by Engineering UK reveals the UK skills shortage in engineering & technology. As recruiters, how can you help plug that gap?

Each year, our prestigious Awards for Excellence not only shine a spotlight on the exceptional work of recruitment firms across the UK but also serve as a hallmark of excellence and top-notch service within the professional recruitment arena. 

Two recent APSCo and OutSource events brought skills to the fore. At a House of Commons executive dinner led by the skills expert Baroness Sue Garden of Frognall, a most gracious and humorous host, the leaders of our larger staffing businesses discussed how jobs and careers should be weaved throughout the school curriculum, bringing relevance to academic and technical modules.

Following a tough hiring landscape in 2023, recruitment across financial services has reported a much-needed boost, with January data up on the latter part of last year. That’s according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

It's critical that the next generation of children choosing their options at age 13/14 make the right decisions for them, to provide them with opportunities for a fulfilling career, helping the skills shortage in the process.

Following today’s announcement of the UK's entry into a recession, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) urges the government to adopt proactive pro-growth policies to stimulate the economy. With the latest GDP statistics revealing a downturn, APSCo emphasises the critical need for targeted measures to bolster the economy and support businesses nationwide.

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of lifelong learning has become more crucial than ever. As the saying goes, "Every day is a school day," and this growth mindset is at the heart of staying relevant and successful in our careers and businesses.

Current approaches to apprenticeships require modernisation, which APSCo has highlighted in both its recent Spring Budget Submission and through its work as part of the Recruitment Trailblazers Group.

Are you an APSCo member? Find out why you should stand for the RepComm - nominate yourself today!

Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week. It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of apprenticeships and their impact on communities, businesses, and the wider economy. I’ve been working with The Recruitment Trailblazers Group, a dynamic initiative aimed at reshaping the landscape of recruitment apprenticeships.

As HMRC opens a new technical consultation to set out the mechanism that will prevent deemed employers – often the recruitment agency – from over paying tax where HMRC determine that there has been an error in applying the IR35 off-payroll working rules, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has welcomed this ‘sensible’ approach.

February marks LGBTQIA+ History Month, a time dedicated to honouring the achievements, struggles, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history. It's an important moment to reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality and to recognise the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and its members have cautioned that the draft Acas Code of Practice on handling requests for a predictable working pattern includes ‘inappropriate’ and unnecessary actions from the Employment Rights Act 1996.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has called for a refocus on supporting the highly skilled temporary workforce in the upcoming Spring Budget, warning that the UK’s economy is dependent on this under-supported group.

APSCo UK and OutSource made their Spring Budget Submission this week to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. With so many fiscal challenges, such as the need to raise capital expenditure on deteriorating public sector infrastructure, then the Chancellor (and any future government) need policies that will positively impact growth without massive expenditure. 

The engineering sector has continued to feel the impact of economic uncertainty and skills shortages with vacancies and applications plummeting.

Job applications have tumbled in the IT sector, raising concerns over further skills gaps increases, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

It is crucial to use your vote to elect the person you want to represent you on the APSCo UK committee.

Responding to the latest labour market data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) comments:

The post-holiday blues and cold, dark days really can take a toll on our emotional and mental wellbeing - and just knowing there’s a day called ‘Blue Monday’ on the horizon just adds to that. For job seekers contemplating career transitions or facing job changes, it can feel like an additional layer of challenge.

As the end of 2023 nears, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has celebrated the numerous lobbying wins that it has achieved for the recruitment sector over the last year, but has warned that skills shortages will continue to put greater pressure on staffing firms in 2024.

While vacancies in the UK may be declining, the latest data from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) suggest this is more likely driven by skills shortages than a reduced demand.

While new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has revealed a 35% drop in vacancies between October and November 2023, the trade association has warned recruiters to prepare for a hiring spike following investment in the sector.

Responding to the latest labour market data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) comments:

Vacancies across the legal sector fell in November, reporting the lowest volumes of the year following reports from PwC of a fall in billable hours across the sector. That’s according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

2023 has provided a challenging and turbulent backdrop for the professional recruitment market with members reporting tough market conditions. Resilience though has always been a key trait for recruiters, and we look forward with optimism to new opportunities in 2024. Before we say goodbye to 2023, I would like to thank you for being part of APSCo.

Responding to the Home Secretary’s announcement, Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) said:

Businesses throughout the UK will be supported to unleash the enormous potential of AI across their workforce as the UK Government publishes new guidance to make sure employees have the skills they need.

The APSCo Marketing Forum this week was a well-attended and informative event, hosted by our partner LinkedIn at their stylish London HQ. If you couldn’t join us on the day, then here are our three top insights from the event.

With the UK still facing significant skills shortages, specialist workforce acquisition and management firm, Comensura, has urged employers across the country to not only take a more proactive approach to inclusive recruitment, but also focus attentions on the contingent labour market.

Despite a projected slowdown in the overall job market, the South of England is expected to maintain its position as the top region for job opportunities in 2023, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).  

Responding to today’s Autumn Statement, Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) comments:

As the UK’s skills crisis continues to intensify, leaders across the recruitment outsourcing and staffing sectors have warned that greater collaboration needs to be prioritised to secure the strength of the hiring market across the country.

APSCo has called for stability following this week’s Cabinet reshuffle.

“The breakdown of the data on the total number of jobs in the UK does paint a very interesting picture. While also down, it is the self-employed levels that have caused the decrease, with employee jobs actually increasing."

Responding to the plan to introduce Minimum Service Levels (MSLs) for rail workers, ambulance staff and border security over the Christmas period, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has warned that the legislation will have little effect.

Responding to the King’s Speech, Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) commented:

We cannot underestimate the significance of Black History Month. In this article, we explore its essence, both in a broader context and within recruitment.

Skills shortages, deficiencies of the apprenticeship levy scheme and challenges recruiting and retaining staff are all issues members have long reported to us, pre-dating covid and borne out by our research and our recent paper on people strategy.

Vacancies in education spiked in September following the summer lull, but applications continue to decline.

IT professionals are increasingly turning to contract roles as permanent hiring slows, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector.  

“The decline in vacancies once again is no surprise, but I would warn employers and recruiters not to be complacent. When we look at the details in the latest ONS labour market update it’s clear that the UK is still reporting higher vacancies than it did pre-pandemic."

At APSCo, we’re committed to empowering our members with the tools to succeed. At the heart of our mission is a fundamental belief that success is crafted through people. We are in an era of rapid transformation and digital disruption. The talent we harness and the relationships we cultivate shape the trajectory of any thriving business. A dedicated strategy to engage and retain top talent is paramount.

Responding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s speech today, Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) commented:  

With healthcare strikes in the news once again, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has warned that the NHS Workforce Plan is still missing the mark and will have little immediate impact on the skills crisis.

The winners of our annual coveted awards were announced at an invitation-only lunch today.

In a significant move aimed at boosting economic growth and enhancing shared security, the United Kingdom has solidified a new strategic partnership with Singapore. The partnership, signed on 9 September 2023, represents a landmark agreement between the two countries and reflects a shared commitment to harnessing technology and innovation to create jobs and foster economic prosperity.

Labour makes cast iron guarantee to put forward Employment Rights Bill within 100 days of forming a government. Understandable concern from the recruitment sector around proposals to ban zero-hour contracts and how it will affect professional contracting. A number of private members' bills expanding employment rights are highly likely to pass this autumn, in any event, including right for agency workers to ask for predictable hours.

Hiring activity within the marketing industry has dropped dramatically following a record-breaking 12 months last year, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo)

The continued decline in vacancies is a trend that is perhaps to be expected, however, the fact that these levels have fallen below the one million mark for the first time since July 2021 is more significant. This shows that the jobs market is continuing to stabilise, rather than decline on a worrying level. In fact, the latest quarterly comparisons of growth from January to March 2020 show that the demand for staff is still up in skill-short sectors including education, human health & social work and professional scientific & technical services.

As Parliament returned from summer recess, Labour Leader Keir Starmer announced changes to his Shadow Cabinet team on 4th September, in a highly anticipated reshuffle.

In response to the Government consultation, Tackling non-compliance in the umbrella company market, APSCo has warned that the proposals are flawed as they do not address the root cause of the issue – the need for licencing of the umbrella sector.

Responding to the latest economic activity and social change data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Ann Swain, Global CEO at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) comments:

Sam Preston, People Director, and Stephen Redmond, Group Marketing & Operations Director, share their insights into the challenges The Green Recruitment Company was facing and how taking the CMI Level 5 advanced recruiter programme has helped strengthen their leadership team and grow the business. 

With a dynamic array of agency experts and visionary speakers, including APSCo’s CEO Ann Swain, you'll be inspired by the latest insights and trends shaping the future of recruitment.

The world of human resources has undergone significant transformation over the past few years, marked by the tumultuous impact of COVID-19, remote work, new and unregulated AI technologies, and unprecedented recruitment surges.

Engineering job application numbers have seen a sharp decline, with firms struggling to recruit in an ever-growing skills short environment.

Responding to the latest labour market data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) comments

Recent Government pay rise announcements have helped healthcare employers to retain their key staff.

The London economy in 2023 is facing its fair share of challenges and opportunities. After experiencing a decline in household income in 2022, the city is projected to witness a slight recovery with growth over the next couple of years.

Having a great business culture inspires people to follow the direction set by management. If your business is experiencing lower performance than you'd like, then an organisational culture reset may be required.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has urged UK policy makers to follow the example of other countries and improve immigration options for the self-employed and independent contractors.

High inflation and continued uncertainty have damaged London’s hiring market, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector.  

The new package of measures announced by the Government to crack down on promoters of tax avoidance schemes won’t eliminate the problem, according to the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

Responding to the announcement that millions of public sector workers will get a pay rise, Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) comments:

Responding to the latest labour market data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) comments:

It’s encouraging to see both an increase in employment and a decrease in economic inactivity, suggesting that the UK economy is just managing to keep its head above water.

As the UK’s skills crisis continues, with four in five firms still struggling to recruit, traditional resourcing practices need to be adjusted to allow for a skills-first approach to hiring. That’s according to a recent report by APSCo OutSource – the trade association for Recruitment Outsourcing.

Responding to the latest Government consultation, A pro-innovation approach to AI Regulation, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and APSCo OutSource have warned that auditable standards are needed now to prevent misuse of AI and recruitment technology.

We heard from experts on social mobility at the last APSCo Embrace Forum. Here is what you need to know before starting your company’s social mobility journey.

Responding to latest reports on the details expected in the NHS Workforce Plan, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has warned that short-term solutions are needed to supplement the long-term strategy if the healthcare crisis is to be alleviated.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and APSCo OutSource, have raised concerns over plans to implement tougher consequences for promoters of tax avoidance in its latest HMRC consultation submission.

Engineering firms are increasingly looking to hire after a challenging start to the year, but are struggling to source the skills they need.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and APSCo OutSource have welcomed the Off Payroll working set off proposals in a response to a now-closed HMRC consultation, but have highlighted areas for improvement if plans are to support the recruitment market.

Salaries have stagnated as the hiring landscape remains uncertain, but firms risk losing their appeal to employees as the cost-of-living continues to rise.

Learning Disability Week is an important initiative that aims to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for individuals with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom. As a recruiter in the professional recruitment sector, it is crucial to understand the benefits of embracing this week and actively seeking to hire from more diverse talent pools. Recruiters can tap into a wealth of untapped potential, foster a more inclusive workplace culture, and contribute to building a more equitable society. 

"While the green energy plans outlined by the Labour party will help the UK move towards its net zero targets, there’s a crucial element missing in the plans: access to the talent needed to deliver against these requirements."

The latest labour market statistics are cause for concern for the UK’s labour market, according to APSCo.

APSCo has announced the 2023 finalists for the APSCo UK Awards for Excellence. The coveted annual awards - sponsored by 6CATS International, Qdos, Sonovate, Workwell, Access Group and Brookson – celebrate those in the recruitment sector who deliver best-in-class solutions and outstanding services.

Responding to the open consultation Tackling non-compliance in the umbrella company market published yesterday, Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at APSCo comments: “While this is a significant consultation that will require a lot of input and insight from the staffing sector to ensure any regulatory change is fit for purpose, it is promising to see that HMRC is committed to driving long-term changes in umbrella regulation which we believe are necessary.

In the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment, professionals in the field must stay ahead of the curve and understand the regional dynamics that shape their industry. In this blog, we will explore the current economic climate, regional employment trends, and notable initiatives that are set to impact the recruitment sector in Wales.

As the leading representative of the professional recruitment sector, APSCo is committed to providing valuable insights and resources to our members. Today, we delve into the thriving world of engineering which is a vital part of the UK economy.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector, has outlined a new three-point plan to create the right regulatory environment in the UK as the labour market continues to struggle with skills shortages.

Job vacancy numbers within the financial services sector are expected to fall for the rest of this year across England and Wales, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector. 

Effective leadership is crucial for the success and growth of any organisation. A skilled leader can inspire, motivate, and guide their teams toward achieving common goals. Recognising the importance of leadership development, APSCo created the CMI Level 5 Advanced Leadership Programme. This comprehensive training course empowers managers, chief executives, heads of departments, directors, and other senior leaders to enhance their leadership capabilities.

The latest figures on immigration demonstrate a ‘missed opportunity’ for visa reform according to APSCo.

Healthcare employers are still struggling to source the skills needed within the industry, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector.  

The annual APSCo Charity Ball has raised over £49,000 for St Christopher’s Hospice in London, making it one for the ages, with APSCo members displaying their incredible generosity once again.

Last week the cream of the professional recruitment sector descended on the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel in London for APSCo’s 2023 Charity Ball, Atlantis.

APSCo has welcomed the new consultation on Retained EU employment law reforms which includes the simplification of annual leave and holiday pay calculations that the trade association has been long calling for.

Permanent jobs fall 24% while placements are down almost a quarter according to the latest statistics from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) – the trade body for the professional recruitment sector.