September has brought several important developments for recruitment businesses and employers, including updates around workplace monitoring, public sector staffing frameworks and data protection.

Following the latest APSCo UK legal update, we’ve highlighted some of the key developments recruitment businesses should have on their radar and what they could mean for the sector.

Government consultation on workplace monitoring

The Government has opened a consultation looking at how technology is used to monitor people in the workplace as part of its wider Make Work Pay reforms.

With employers increasingly using technologies such as artificial intelligence, CCTV, biometric systems and location tracking, the consultation is considering whether the existing rules provide sufficient transparency and protection for workers while still allowing employers to use these technologies effectively.

Areas under consideration include greater transparency around monitoring, improved engagement with workers and the responsible use of new technologies.

Businesses using workplace monitoring tools should consider reviewing their current practices and the proposals contained within the consultation.

Consultation deadline: 30 September 2026.

New NHS and public sector staffing framework

The RM6397 Clinical and Non-Clinical Temporary and Permanent Staffing Framework tender is now live.

The framework is expected to launch in early 2027 and will provide organisations with a route to supply temporary, fixed-term and permanent clinical and non-clinical workers to the NHS and other public sector organisations.

It will replace the existing RM6281 Clinical and Healthcare Staffing and RM6277 Non-Clinical Staffing frameworks, while broadening the scope to include fixed-term and permanent recruitment.

The framework covers a wide range of staffing areas, including nursing and midwifery, medical and dentistry, allied health professionals, social care, administrative and corporate roles, IT, legal, scientific and technical positions, estates and facilities management, permanent recruitment and managed service provision.

Tender submission deadline: 21 September 2026 at 3:00pm.

Recruitment businesses operating within these markets should review the tender requirements promptly if they are interested in securing a position on the framework.

Education staffing framework reopening

HEART Academies Trust, supported by Value Match, is reopening its Supply Agency Staff Services Framework.

The framework covers temporary, permanent and fixed-term teaching and non-teaching staff and is designed to give education organisations across the UK access to recruitment and staffing suppliers.

This includes schools, academies, colleges, nurseries, pupil referral units and children’s centres.

Successful suppliers may receive individual requirements through either Direct Award or Mini Competition.

The procurement documents are expected to be published on 30 October 2026, with the tender deadline currently estimated as 27 November 2026 at 12pm. The anticipated contract award date is 21 January 2027.

Online information sessions are also being offered to recruitment businesses interested in understanding the framework and procurement process.

Free ICO data protection training for SMEs

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has introduced Data Protection Essentials, a free online training programme aimed at SMEs and sole traders.

The programme provides practical guidance to help organisations understand their responsibilities when handling personal information.

Topics include secure record management, sharing information appropriately, marketing and customer communications, and reducing the likelihood of data breaches.

The training also provides examples for a range of sectors, including professional services, education and childcare, health and social care, retail and property.

For recruitment businesses handling significant amounts of candidate, client and employee information, the programme could provide a useful refresher for employees responsible for processing personal data.

What should recruitment businesses do?

With employment regulation, technology and procurement requirements continuing to evolve, recruitment businesses should ensure they remain aware of developments that could affect their operations.

In particular, businesses may want to review their use of workplace monitoring technology, assess whether the new public sector frameworks present relevant commercial opportunities and ensure employees handling personal data receive appropriate training.

Keeping ahead of these changes can help recruitment businesses remain compliant while identifying new opportunities within the UK staffing market.

Staying ahead of recruitment industry changes

With employment regulation, technology and procurement requirements continuing to evolve, recruitment businesses should ensure they remain aware of developments that could affect their operations.

Businesses may want to review their use of workplace monitoring technology, assess whether upcoming public sector frameworks present relevant commercial opportunities and ensure employees handling personal data receive appropriate training.

Keeping ahead of these developments can help recruitment businesses remain compliant while identifying new opportunities across the UK recruitment and staffing market.

This article summarises and comments on information highlighted in the September 2026 legal update from APSCo UK – The Association of Professional Staffing Companies. We acknowledge and thank APSCo for providing the original industry update. Visit APSCo UK for the full update and further information.