Adecco, the world’s largest recruitment group, has left the REC after complaining that the trade body did not effectively represent the interests of larger agencies.

The decision was made by Adecco last week and the recruitment group, which includes Office Angels, has not renewed its subscription to the industry organisation.

The REC was aware of Adecco’s plans to leave, as reported in our 14 March issue, but failed to dissuade the Plc from leaving.

Stuart Neill, public relations manager at Adecco, told Professional Recruiter: ‘The concerns we raised were not addressed in any way shape or form, and therefore we have made the decision to withdraw our membership. If the REC changes the way it operates, then we will obviously review the decision.’

Neill said that Adecco had had a number of meetings with the REC before the final decision was made, but that no response was made to its proposals.

Adecco has also taken up membership of the Confederation of British Industry, to rebut any accusations that it is being insular.

Neill suggested that the REC address problems in its structure by creating different divisions for small, medium and large recruitment businesses with competing interests.

‘The REC as a whole has to take a step back, look at itself and the recruitment industry and ask if it is effectively structured to represent the industry’s interests,’ he said.

REC’s chief executive Tim Nicholson admitted he was disheartened by the news. ‘The loss of a firm the size of Adecco is clearly damaging both to the REC and the industry,’ he conceded. ‘It gives the appearance of the industry not having the will to be able to work together to form a single view on key topics.

‘The dust needs to settle on this disappointing affair - then I hope that we can find a way to bring Adecco back into the REC.’