UK to get backing from Germany on temps directive

The
Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has said Germany is set to
back the UK’s stance on the Agency Workers Directive.

It
said it understands that the German Government has reached an informal
agreement with the UK Government to support the UK’s position in the Council of
Ministers.

The
European Commission Agency Workers Directive proposes to give agency workers
the same pay and conditions as permanent employees. Agency staff would be
entitled to the same salaries, work and rest periods, paid holidays, overtime
pay and health and safety rights, but UK plc argues that this would raise
employers’ costs and tie them up in red tape.

The
REC, which represents the UK’s private recruitment and staffing industry, has
been working to gain the support of the German Government.

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.

Name

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

Δ

Marcia
Roberts, director of external relations at the REC said: "Germany’s
support in the Council of Ministers is crucial if the Agency Workers Directive
is to be amended. If today’s reports are true, it is a welcome boost for temps,
business and the economy, and we welcome it wholeheartedly."

By Quentin Reade