Implementing equal treatment for Agency Workers

Following the passing of the Agency Workers Directive (the Directive) in Brussels at the end of last year, the Government has now launched its consultation on implementation in the UK: 'Implementation of the agency workers directive: a consultation paper'.

Under the terms of the Directive, legislation must be introduced to ensure that after being engaged for just 12 weeks, agency workers receive the same basic working and employment conditions as if they had been recruited directly by the hirer (see Wragge & Co's previous alert: The Agency Workers deal: Is this "the right deal for Britain").

In the Ministerial Foreword, Pat McFadden states:

"The Government supports the principle of ensuring fairer treatment for agency workers. But we also consider it crucial to maintain the flexibility the agency sector provides for both workers and employers, which is a key strength of our labour market".

So does the Government's current thinking as set out in the consultation balance the interests of the agency workers, temporary work agencies and hirers? Read Wragge & Co's expert analysis of the latest proposals on the rights of agency workers.