Employers have been urged to take part in a consultation on the EC Agency
Workers Directive which could entitle temporary staff to the same pay and
conditions as permanent employees from day one of employment.
The DTI published a consultation document last week seeking views from
employers on the directive, which as currently drafted would give temporary
workers equal rights to permanent staff after six weeks at the same company.
The Engineering Employers Federation, the CBI and the Recruitment and Employment
Confederation have opposed the directive saying it will increase business costs
and red tape and inhibit labour force flexibility.
David Yeandle, deputy director of employment policy at the EEF, told
Personnel Today that officials at the European Parliament are trying to amend
the draft directive so that the six-week qualification period is removed
altogether.
He called on employers to submit their views, and spell out how the
directive could affect them, to help the Government argue the case for extending
the qualification period. "This is a chance for employers to make their views
known," he said.
The closing date for responses to the consultation is 18 October 2002.
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