Talking Recruitment

In the final Talking Recruitment podcast of the year Neil Carberry OBE, REC Chief Executive, is joined by Maxine Bligh, REC Chief Membership & Innovation Officer, to reflect on a challenging but pivotal year for recruitment. They explore what’s held hiring back in 2025, where confidence is starting to return, and how recruiters are adapting their business models, skills and use of technology to prepare for growth in 2026.

The discussion covers market resilience, the growing importance of trusted client partnerships, the practical role of AI in improving productivity, and why recruiters will be central to navigating labour market change in the year ahead.

Guest:

Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership & Innovation Officer, REC

In this episode, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry OBE is joined by three industry specialists: Daniel Haslam, Chief Business Development Officer at Giant Group, Sebastien Sauca, CEO of SafeRec and Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment at JMW. Together they unpack the major compliance and regulatory changes set to reshape the recruitment landscape in 2026.

The episode features an in depth look at what the joint and several liability reforms for umbrella companies will mean for agencies, MSPs and end hirers and why financial stability, due diligence and transparency in supply chains are becoming non-negotiable.

The panel also looks ahead to the Employment Rights Bill, discussing its implications for guaranteed hours, statutory sick pay, unfair dismissal, and the future Fair Work enforcement body.

Across the conversation, they highlight the practical steps recruiters should be taking now and why the compliance changes could ultimately lead to more strategic, higher-value partnerships between agencies, payroll providers and clients.

Guests:

Daniel Haslam, Chief Business Development Officer, Giant Group

Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment, JMW

Sebastien Sauca, CEO, SafeRec

In this episode, Neil Carberry is joined by Melissa Mhondoro, Legal Advice Manager at the REC, to discuss the significant regulatory and market changes anticipated to shape the recruitment sector in 2026. They discuss how evolving legislation, from tax and data protection to fair work and digital identity, is reshaping the way agencies, contractors, and employers operate.

Together, they explore what these changes mean for day-to-day recruitment practice, business strategy, and maintaining trust in a fast-moving compliance environment.

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Suhail Mirza, Global Wellness Speaker, Healthcare Expert & Staffing Sector Board Advisor, about how workforce wellbeing and sector transformation intersect in today’s challenging environment. They explore how the UK staffing industry is evolving in response to market pressures, workforce shortages, and the growing need for inclusive, sustainable approaches to work, particularly within the NHS and social care.

Key topics include:

What recent REC data reveals about the outlook, challenges, and opportunities across the industry.

Understanding the work done within the NHS and social care sector to address wellbeing and retention in complex workforce systems.

 How broader wellbeing movements are shaping employer expectations and candidate behaviours worldwide.

How staffing firms can differentiate themselves through purpose-driven, people-centred strategies that create real client value.

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Hung Lee, curator of Recruiting Brainfood, about the changing landscape of recruitment and how agencies can adapt to new market realities. They discuss the impact of global economic shifts, technology innovation and how recruitment businesses can thrive through transformation and collaboration.

Key topics include:

The recruitment market reset and how firms can respond to slower growth and increased uncertainty.

How artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Opportunities for growth in a flat market through innovation, adaptability and focus on niche areas.

The importance of industry collaboration, compliance and continuous learning to stay ahead of policy and technology changes.

In this special episode of the #TalkingRecruitmentPodcast, Kate Shoesmith is joined by Ross Thompson, Executive Manager at REC business partner Infinity Staff Global. Our expert explores Recruitment reimagined, from AI tools to offshore growth strategies and how AI is reshaping the recruitment industry.

️ In this special episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry introduces a standout session from RECLive25, where our expert panel explored how AI is reshaping the recruitment industry.

Hosted by Kate Shoesmith (Deputy CEO at the REC, the conversation features insights from Annie Andrews (Chief Executive, Curo Services), David Stott (VP, Enterprise International, Bullhorn) and Roxi Sweeney, Head of Marketing & Digital, The Best Connection.

Together, they unpack how AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks, enhance the candidate experience, and even predict future hiring needs. The panel also shares real-world use cases, practical tips for adoption, and guidance on staying compliant with evolving regulations while keeping trust and risk mitigation front of mind.

In this episode, Neil Carberry sits down with Matt Fryer, Managing Director at Brookson Group, to unpack the upcoming changes to umbrella company regulation and what they mean for the recruitment industry. They explore the implications of the draft umbrella tax rules due April 2026, focusing on the introduction of Joint and Several Liability (JSL) a move that could see agencies and end clients held accountable for tax missteps by umbrella companies.

In this episode, Neil Carberry OBE sits down with Colin Gunnell, CEO of Liquid Friday, to explore how businesses stay competitive in a shifting landscape. They dive into:

The evolution of technology to support unique brand propositions

Deploying new tech to stay ahead

How USPs adapt in changing markets

Driving commercial innovation amid disruption

In this episode, Neil Carberry sits down with Hayden Boilini, Director of Financial & Professional Services (North America) at the UK Department for Business and Trade. They explore the realities facing UK recruitment agencies expanding into the US market, from navigating regulatory complexity to bridging cultural gaps and staying competitive.

Learn how to build resilience into your US expansion strategy and hear directly from an expert driving UK trade success overseas.