As flexi staffing seems to be gaining popularity with employers, the Indian staffing industry has called for a regulatory framework and labour law reforms to align it with employers’ needs.

At an International colloquium held here on Wednesday, the Indian Staffing Federation (ISF) also urged the Government to ratify the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 181, which recognises the role of private employment agencies in a flexible labour market. So far, around 20 countries are said to have ratified the Convention.

Inaugurating the session, Union Minister for Coal Sriprakash Jaiswal said there was need to ensure the jobs that were being created were productive, “which is vital for our growth especially in sectors like manufacturing and services besides agriculture.”

Noting that India was estimated to be among largest labour markets besides China, Brazil and South Africa, K. Pandia Rajan President, ISF, noted that India was also among the top five nations in the flexi staffing industry but stood out as the only one where the industry did not have regulatory recognition as yet.

“Going by the Economic Survey report, it becomes more viable to make necessary provisions, set up guidelines to encourage contract staffing in areas, roles, industries where it can add utmost value. Ratification of ILO Convention 181 can be a positive step in that direction in order to fully reap the benefits,” he added.

>aditi.n@thehindu.co.in

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