The Employment Rights Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 10 October 2024. It is currently in the House of Lords for scrutiny, with its second reading due on 27 March 2025. If it is passed, it promises to reshape the employment landscape. Some of the key provisions are summarised below.

Legal Recruitment Update: Neonatal Leave and Pay Effective from 6 April 2025

The first-ever TEAM Netwalk took place last year, a day before the TEAM Annual Conference 2024 and it was a fantastic way to start the event! We teamed up with Julia Doherty from Adventure Geek , raising money for SHOUT UK , to give Members and partners the opportunity to swap the boardroom for fresh air, open conversations and wonderful countryside views . What is Netwalking? As Julia put it, Netwalking is like netWORKing, but better - it takes conversations outside, removing the formal setting and allowing discussions to flow naturally. There’s real science behind it, too. Walking side by side rather than face to face makes people more open, leading to deeper and more authentic conversations . The Route: Kenilworth Castle & Alpaca Farm The 6.5-mile trail started and ended at Kenilworth Castle , just across from Chesford Grange Hotel, where our Conference takes place. The route had beautiful countryside paths and we even passed an alpaca farm along the way! It was purposely chosen to be an easy (and flat!) walk, to encourage relaxed discussions rather than a physical challenge. More Than Just Business – A focus on Mental Health One of the biggest takeaways from the Netwalk was that networking isn’t just about business - it’s about people . Getting to know each other in a relaxed setting strengthened relationships beyond just the same old recruitment chat. In 2024, TEAM put a real focus on the Mental Health and wellbeing of our Members and Partners , launching a series of 10 specialist webinars on Mental Health and Wellbeing . The Netwalk was at the heart of this, it was not only a chance to connect but also an opportunity to raise awareness and support for mental health in our industry. The event was run in support of SHOUT UK , a mental health charity offering free, confidential crisis support via text . John Docherty, Founder of ATP Technical, shared his experience: “I enjoy a long walk or run, but it’s always with people I know. The 2024 TEAM conference offered me a new experience; to walk with people I’ve never met before. The route was picturesque and the weather warm, all the ingredients needed to start talking. About anything. I made connections with people on both a personal and professional level which served me well not just for the next two days but for the long term. PLEASE, sign me up for Netwalk 2025!” Janine Ambrose, Back Office Support Services: "For me, walking side by side created natural, easy conversations about business, well-being and just being yourself" By the end of the walk, new connections have been made and everyone felt energised for the Conference ahead. With only 30 spaces available , it was an impactful yet intimate way to start the event. If you missed out last year, we are hosting Netwalk #2 at TEAM Conference 2025! This year taking place on Thursday April 3rd - we are following the same route (only shortening it slightly!), with Julia Doherty leading the way. TEAM Service Provider, Back Office Support Services have kindly sponsored the Netwalk, choosing SHOUT UK as their chosen charity, which we are thrilled to be supporting for a second year.  There are only 30 spaces available, so be sure to reserve your space HERE . (You must be attending the TEAM Conference to participate! You can book your Conference ticket HERE .) Join us for the next TEAM Netwalk in 2025 it’s the perfect way to connect, reset and start Conference in the best way possible!

Earlier this month, Managing Director of TEAM, Andy Dunne , took to the stage at the Birmingham Recruitment Agency Expo to talk networking and…LEGO®?! You see, Andy says that building a professional network takes time and effort, much like assembling a LEGO® masterpiece. You need patience, persistence, and the right pieces to create a solid network. Off the back of his talk at #RecExpo, we crafted a practical 13-step guide to help you build, develop, and strengthen your connections, brick by brick. In our free downloadable guide , you'll have the opportunity to brainstorm and set clear goals that align with both your personal and business objectives. Use these strategies to help you expand your professional reach and grow a strong professional network that will eventually boost your bottom line. Just like constructing a complex LEGO® set, every connection you make adds another layer of strength to your network. You'll discover how to develop your own personal brand, showcasing your commitment to your growth and professional development. The guide even includes a blueprint for success, offering you personalised steps to take, with helpful tips on using AI to create a tailored networking plan. Explore old and new networking methods and evaluate which approach works best for you and your business. Learn how to build valuable partnerships and collaborations that will expand your network and extend your reach. Remember - just like building with LEGO®, networking should be fun! Here’s a sneak peek at the first 3 actions you can implement today: 1. Networking like LEGO® Brainstorm the types of events you could attend that will benefit you and your business - whether they’re industry conferences, local meetups, or workshops. Then, set a goal to attend one event per month between now and Christmas. At each event, make a point of meeting at least five new contacts and actively follow up with them. Check out Hung Lee’s Recruiting Brainfood list of upcoming Recruitment and TA Events . 2. LEGO® & networking: An Investment in your Busines Identify two specific networking activities to invest in this month. This could be attending an industry event, joining a professional group, or scheduling one-on-one meetings with key contacts. Then, allocate both time and money for these activities and commit to them, recognising that these investments are essential building blocks for long-term success. 3. Follow a plan: The Blueprint for Networking Success Create a simple networking plan for the next three months. Identify the key people you want to connect with, the events to attend, and specific actions to take. Download the guide to get a ChatGPT prompt that will help you generate a personalised networking plan! In the guide, you’ll also find some impressive top networking tips, an explanation and how to implement those tips, from eight leading networkers in the recruitment industry. If you haven’t heard of them yet (which we doubt!) get connected: Wendy McDougall (CEO of Firefish Software) Jo Major (Diversity in Recruitment) Si Bor (Embedded Ops) Hishem Azouzz (Hector) Vanessa Raath (The Talent Hunter) Simon Bliss (Chairman of TEAM) Kate O’Neil (Kate O’Neil Coaching) Jo Phillips (The Woman Behind the Women) Their inspirational insights will help you refine your strategy and make meaningful connections. Ready to start building your network? Download our free guide and get access to a step-by-step blueprint designed to help you create a solid, lasting network. With our handy downloadable guide, you’ll be on your way! Who are TEAM? TEAM is the UK’s largest recruitment network. We exist to create opportunities for recruiters, whether solo or established agencies, to save on costs and increase revenue , through extensive access to services, as well as offering a safe, collaborative national network to help businesses and people reach their potential.

The recruitment industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital advancements.

As a recruitment professional, you're in the business of connecting the right people with the right opportunities—a job that's both rewarding, challenging and not without risks. With this important role comes the need to protect yourself and your business from the unexpected, especially in today's complex and litigious business environment. Recruiter insurance is not just a legal requirement in many instances but also critical for safeguarding your business, reputation, and financial stability. Marsh Commercial has a team of recruitment insurance specialists who work with micro-SME recruiters through to larger clients with more complex requirements. A quote and buy facility is available for members who wish to self-serve and there’s a team only a phone call away for those requiring a more advised sale - 0161 245 1220. What is recruiter insurance, and why do you need it? Recruiter insurance typically includes several types of cover tailored to the needs of recruitment agencies and individual recruiters. The types of roles or industries that you place into and the countries that you supply staff to can all have an impact on your business risk. The most common insurance products are professional indemnity (PI), public liability (PL), and employers liability insurance (EL). Professional Indemnity Insurance Also known as professional liability insurance, protects you against claims made by clients for professional negligence, errors, or omissions. Even a minor mistake in candidate placement or employment advice can lead to significant financial losses or reputational damage in the recruitment industry. Additionally, you may be accepting liability under contract for the actions of the temporary workers that you supply. You might also have contracts where the law governing the contract is US or Canadian Law, which would have different implications than claims arising under UK Law. PI insurance covers the legal costs and any compensation you might be required to pay, ensuring your business remains financially viable. Public liability Insurance As a recruiter, you might interact with clients, candidates, or members of the public at your office or their premises. PL insurance covers you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activities. Our Recruitment Scheme policy can also extend to include temporary workers and temporary candidates placed outside of the UK – although you will need to discuss your requirements with us as some restrictions may apply. While such incidents may seem unlikely, having this cover ensures you won't have to bear the financial burden if something goes wrong. Employers liability insurance In most cases, is legally required if you employ staff. It covers you if an employee is injured, dies or contracts a disease caused by a negligent act of the employer, for which you would become legally liable. Failing to have this insurance can lead to hefty fines, so it's crucial to ensure you comply with the law. Additional insurance to consider While the basic insurance covers are essential, other products can provide additional protection for your business: Driver's negligence insurance I f your business involves placing temporary drivers, this insurance covers damage to vehicles caused by the driver's negligence. This is particularly important if your clients expect you to take responsibility for any incidents while a driver is on assignment. Personal accident insurance This cover provides financial support if you or your employees suffer from an accident that leads to injury or death. It's a critical consideration for businesses where staff may travel or work in potentially hazardous environments. Cyber insurance In today's digital world, cyberattack risk is ever-present. Cyber insurance protects your business against the financial impact of data breaches, cyberattacks, funds transfer fraud and other digital threats. This is especially important for recruitment agencies that handle sensitive client and candidate information or frequent invoices. Legal requirements and compliance. Certain types of insurance are legally required. We've mentioned that employers liability insurance is compulsory for any business with employees. Additionally, contracts with clients often stipulate that you must have professional indemnity insurance in place. Without these insurances, you are at risk of financial loss, and you may also face legal penalties and potentially lose contracts. Building trust with clients and candidates Having the right insurance isn't just about protecting yourself; it's also about showing your clients and candidates that you're a responsible business. In a competitive industry like recruitment, that extra layer of trust can set you apart from the crowd. For members of The TEAM Network, securing comprehensive recruiter insurance is a fundamental step in protecting your business, your clients and your candidates. Whether you're a small agency or a large recruitment firm, the right insurance ensures compliance with legal requirements. By investing in the right cover, you can confidently operate, knowing you have protection in place against potential legal and financial challenges. Get in touch with a recruitment insurance expert today If you need specialist advice or an insurance quote, the recruitment specialist team at Marsh Commercial is here to help. Call them on 0161 245 1220 or email Su.Haddrell@marshcommercial.co.uk . If you are looking for instant cover, visit the quote and buy platform , ideal for businesses with a turnover of less than £5 million.

As we gear up for our exciting face-to-face networking season, with over 13 events lined up in the next five weeks, it's the perfect time to fine-tune your networking strategies with these tips for success! Whether you're an experienced networker or new to these events, these top tips will help you make the most of your time and connections: Don’t Stress About Having an Elevator Pitch Don’t worry if you don’t have a polished elevator pitch. We all started as newcomers to recruitment networking and to TEAM at some point. Just come along, say hello, and let the conversations flow! Set Clear Goals Decide what you want to achieve at each event—whether it's meeting specific people, learning about new trends, or exploring potential collaborations. Having a focus will make your networking more purposeful. Research Attendees Check the event guest list from TEAM HQ or your Regional Director and identify key individuals or TEAM Partners you’d like to connect with. Knowing a bit about them beforehand can help you start more meaningful conversations. Prepare to Share TEAM Regional and Divisional meetings are excellent opportunities to share ideas, knowledge and practical advice on how to be the best recruiters! Some of the best tips I’ve received came from these smaller, focused meetings. Always come prepared with ideas and advice that might benefit other Members and TEAM Partners. Be Approachable Smile, make eye contact, and show genuine interest in others. Ask questions about their business and listen. Building relationships is about creating a two-way dialogue, not just promoting yourself. Remember, everyone in TEAM is super friendly and there for the same reason as you. Follow Up with Your New Network Contacts After the event, send a personalised follow-up message to the people you met, or if you’re like me, a quick 30-second Odro video to say thanks! Reference something specific from your conversation to help them remember you and reinforce your connection. Use Social Media Share highlights or a snippet from the event on LinkedIn. You could share what you learnt and who you met. Being visible at these events demonstrates to clients, candidates and fellow recruiters that you are actively involved in the industry, keeping up to date, and value networking and knowledge sharing. Why not take a selfie and share it on your socials? Save Your Unique LinkedIn QR Code as Your Mobile Home Screen Make it easy to share your LinkedIn profile by saving your unique LinkedIn QR code on your mobile home screen. This quick access makes it simple to exchange contact details and connect with new people. Roundtable Discussions Roundtable discussions are excellent opportunities to chat to people with similar interests or challenges and establish yourself within the TEAM Community. Ask your Regional Director or TEAM HO before the event what topics will be covered in the breakout sessions, or if you have any of your own topic suggestions you’d like. Bring a Colleague, Partner, or a non-Member Guest. Attending with a colleague can enhance your experience and networking, as they might connect with people you haven’t met and vice versa, broadening your reach and making the event even more valuable. Or why not reach out to your recruitment network and bring somebody along who could benefit from being a member of TEAM. If they join, you’ll receive a £200 referral reward! 1Leverage Our WhatsApp Community Engage with the WhatsApp community before the event. Pose questions, share your goals, or suggest meet-ups before or after. This proactive approach can help you connect with more Members and suppliers. TEAM’s WhatsApp Community includes over 23 groups and 700+ Members – if you aren't involved yet, email us at TEAM HO. Offer and Seek Referrals Be proactive in offering referrals to other TEAM Members or Partners who could benefit from your services. Similarly, ask for referrals or recommendations that could assist you in expanding your business. With TEAM consisting of 75% specialist recruiters, there’s always someone in the network who can help. Don’t be late – if you can help it Arriving early can give you a head start on networking opportunities. You’ll have more time to connect with early arrivals and make the most of the quieter moments before the event gets busier. Networking is a vital part of growing your business and your spot in the TEAM community. By following these tips, you'll maximise your chances of making valuable connections and discovering new opportunities. Ar e you joining us at your next regional event? Find out when your next event is here. Looking forward to seeing you all at our upcoming events! If you aren't a Member or Partner of TEAM yet and want to experience the TEAM network local to you, get in touch and we'd love to chat!

Whilst the recruitment industry is fast-paced and sales-driven, relationships really are the backbone that builds the strongest recruitment businesses. Building a strong network of fellow recruiters and business owners can be the secret ingredient to your success. It's about creating a support system, sharing knowledge, and unlocking opportunities that you might miss out on. Porter Gale, former Vice President of Marketing at Virgin America once said, “Your network is your net worth” . Truer words have never been spoken! Why networking matters Networking is more than just exchanging business cards (does this still happen nowadays?!); it’s about building genuine connections. By surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals, you can create a colossally powerful support system. The right network will give you a sounding board for ideas, access to industry insights, people to lean on when times get tough (because, in recruitment, they certainly do) and a platform to share your expertise too. Moreover, a strong network can open doors to new business opportunities. Referrals, partnerships, discounts and collaborations often stem from these connections. In an industry as competitive as recruitment, having a solid network can give you a significant advantage. This is particularly true within the TEAM network, where our 500+ recruitment industry members have access to over £1.7million in split fees, up to 85% discount on job boards, access to top-tier industry suppliers knowledge and guidance, and the feeling that they are not in this alone. The Benefits of Networking The impact of networking on business growth is undeniable. According to a study by the British Chambers of Commerce, 75% of businesses believe that networking is essential for business growth. This highlights the importance of building and maintaining strong professional relationships. Furthermore, a report by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy found that businesses with strong networks are more likely to innovate, create jobs, and increase exports. One person who knows the benefits of networking first hand is Simon Bliss, Chairman at TEAM. Simon says, “When I was a TEAM member as MD at Principal People, I reached out for advice to other members in the regional meetings for advice on incentive and commission programmes for my growing team. The feedback and openness i received from fellow members allowed me to build a new incentive scheme for my current and future staff that both helped with retention and attraction, and contributed hugely to build sales and margin without any consultancy or legal costs.” We also asked Ruth Forster, Founder at Wagstaff Recruitment , and TEAM member, to share her thoughts. She said, “Building a network that works for you takes time, but like most important things, you have to invest time to reap the rewards. I would not be the person I am today, nor would my business be the success it is, without my network. Success to me means being in a strong and happy place personally, having a happy team that achieves great results, and running a stable business with a solid reputation. The right network of people offers support, challenge, accountability, and learning, and in return, you will support people in your network too.” Building Your Network Building a strong network takes time and effort, but it is so worth it! Here are some tips to get you started: Attend industry events Conferences, meetups, and awards ceremonies are great places to connect with other professionals. The TEAM network hold monthly virtual and in person events for members, and an annual conference which is one of the most talked about events of the year! Check out this video from our 2023 conference. Leverage online platforms If you’re not on LinkedIn, are you even a recruiter? LinkedIn can be a powerful networking tool, when it’s used to its full potential. Connect with others in the industry, join groups and spend some time building connections through commenting on industry posts and topics. Join professional organisations Becoming a member of a recruitment network, like TEAM, can connect you with like-minded individuals and be the springboard you need to propel your recruitment business forward. At TEAM, we understand the importance of networking. We exist to create opportunities for recruiters, whether solo or agency, to save on costs and increase revenue, through extensive access to services, as well as offering a safe, collaborative national (and International) network to help businesses and people reach their potential. With member fees starting at just £60 per month, why wait? Start building your network today and watch your recruitment business thrive.

The monthly Job Flow Index analyses recruitment statistics and industry trends to provide recruitment agency leaders with insight into market conditions.