The Recruitment Employment Confederation (REC) will continue to back the Employment Agency Standards (EAS) in its ongoing work to address bad practice within the industry.

A recently released EAS report showed an increase in the number of complaints against recruitment businesses and agencies.

The report revealed a nine per cent increase on the year before, with a total of 1,714 complaints against companies such as umbrella services.

Lewina Farrell, the REC's head of professional services, said that the increase in complaints shows a growing awareness of government enforcement mechanisms.

"Our message to government is that enforcement activities must be properly co-ordinated and targeted. Rogue providers that deliberately and systematically flout regulations must be dealt with," she said.

This comes after David Cameron praised courageous contractors on National Freelancers Day, saying that their contribution to the UK's economy is invaluable.

He added that the government supports those opting for a freelance lifestyle which promotes a healthy work-life balance.