Recruitment South West has received national recognition – twice in one week.

We are among the first in the country to achieve the new audit level for the recruitment industry and the new Gangmasters Licence, designed to curb worker exploitation and introduced in the wake of the Morecambe Bay tragedy.

Making RSW one of just 1% of recruitment agencies nationally who passed the new audit standard and one of only seven in Somerset to receive the new licence from the Gangmasters Licence Authority.

Managing Director of Recruitment South West, Caroline Drew, said: "We’re delighted to be among the first in Somerset to receive a licence from the GLA. We hope licensing will rid the industry of any rogue element.

"As from 1st October 2006 it will be an offence for gangmasters to operate without a licence – and it will be an offence to use an unlicensed gangmaster. In the future companies will be able to check the GLA public register to ensure their employment agencies are properly licensed.”

In a drive to recognise and reward high standards the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, with over 12,000 members, has pioneered the first audit scheme for the recruitment industry. All members must abide by a Code of Good Recruitment Practice.

"Achieving accreditation to this new industry standard is a reflection on the quality of staff in our Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil offices,” said Caroline Drew.

"We are a local, long established business with a real pride and commitment to delivering a high standard of service.

"To be told we have achieved one of these standards in a week is excellent - to have achieved two in the same week is absolutely marvellous!”

Recruitment and Employment Confederation Managing Director, Gareth Osborne said: "Congratulations to RSW, they’ve set a high standard and are a fantastic example to other recruitment agencies. By passing an REC audit, employment agencies publicly demonstrate they operate at the highest industry standard - while job applicants and employers have a guaranteed measure of quality.”