New Laws On Agency Workers Due In October

New regulations will give agency workers the right to the same basic employment and working conditions as if they had been recruited directly by a company, if and when they complete a 12 week qualifying period in a job. The rules, which are part of the Agency Workers Regulations, will come into force in the UK on 1 October 2011.

As well as the 12 week qualifying period, the key changes as a result of the Regulations include:

• Key elements of pay.
• Duration of working time.
• Night work.
• Rest periods and breaks, annual leave and paid time off for ante-natal appointments.

BIS have published guidance which should help hirers and agencies understand the requirements of the Agency Workers Regulations. This can be found here.

Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey said: "The agency sector is a key part of the UK's flexible labour market. It provides the flexibility needed for employers to meet surges in demand, cover temporary absences or cope with seasonal fluctuations and provides a route into employment for thousands of individuals.

"We looked carefully at the possibility of amending the Regulations to address employers' concerns but were forced to conclude that we could not do so without putting the 12 week qualifying period at risk. Our focus therefore has been providing the best possible guidance to help everyone affected understand these regulations."