28468 Blue Arrow Client Advisory Guide_WEB - Flipbook - Page 3
The strategic importance
of talent supply chain integrity
Ensuring the integrity of the supply
chain is a strategic imperative for
all businesses, and failing to do so
can have drastic consequences.
Workforces are now more fluid and
mobile than they have ever been, which,
while welcome and necessary in terms of
ensuring the best resources are deployed
for the right job, does create an HR and
procurement challenge.
The risks associated with non-compliance of elements
of the ERB are being pushed down the supply chain
to agencies; however, there are still cases where the
end-hirer will be held accountable. That could mean
that employers face the risk of penalties for the actions
of another party in the chain, unless they can prove
they have put the right protections in place.
This is only being exacerbated by external factors.
The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is arguably one
of the most prominent influencers at the moment.
While the Bill has yet to be fully legislated and won’t
until the New Year, it is a significant piece of legislation
that will alter how people are contracted for work.
Everything from access to day one rights, new
protections for those on zero or low-hour contracts,
and the removal of fire and rehire practices are all
set to impact recruitment supply chains.
In addition to the ERB, the evolving landscape around
Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks
is impacting workforce recruitment and management.
In the UK, ESG regulation isn’t perhaps as tight as
it is across Europe, but there are growing pressures
to hold more firms accountable for ESG targets.
That extends to the partners in their supply chains.
In fact, the proposals outlined in the consultation on
the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS)
include caveats that would require organisations to
report on their management of EDI risks in their
talent supply chain. This will be mandatory in 2027.
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