TUC encourages government backing of temps directive

The directive would give UK agency workers the right to the same treatment as permanently employed colleagues on issues including pay, working time and holidays, maternity rights and protection against discrimination.

Employer groups argue that an agency worker should not qualify for the rights under the directive until they have been in the same job for 12 months. However, the UK Government is currently calling for a six-month qualifying period.

The TUC believes agency workers should have equal pay and basic rights from their very first day in a job.

Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said: “While this law is stuck in the EU log-jam, around 700,000 UK agency workers are being denied equal pay and basic rights. And agency work is becoming a less popular option as workers realise they are far better protected and paid in fixed-term, part-time, or full-time permanent employment.

Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance

Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday

Email(Required)

OptOut

From time to time, we will send you emails about selected products, events and services from Personnel Today and OHW+ - but you can choose to opt-out at any time. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please tick this box.

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

“The UK economy needs the attractive, productive and rewarding agency work that the directive will deliver,” he added. “An injection of impetus from the UK Government is crucial.”