Find Out More About Agency Work Regulations

By Author: Mary Porter
Total Articles: 829
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Are you an agency worker that takes on temporary contracts in a variety of companies? Do you know anything about Agency work regulations and what you should expect from all of your employers? From October 2011 Agency Work Regulations came into force and they are designed to protect people just like you. Too many companies were exploiting agency workers before the Agency Work Regulation came into force even if they worked for umbrella companies.
Prior to the new Agency Work Regulations agency staff wasn’t being given the same basic working conditions and they had limited access to the facilities that permanent members of staff could use. The Agency Work Regulations were brought in to prevent this practice whilst helping to safeguard permanent members of staff at the same time.
What do employers need to know about Agency work regulations?
If you use the services of umbrella companies to hire agency workers it’s wise to read up on the Agency Work Regulations. Things have changed and you’ll be expected to know the Agency Work Regulations to maintain your responsibilities.
Basically from day ...
... one the Agency Work Regulations stipulate that all agency workers should be given access to the facilities you provide your permanent employees with, whether that’s the canteen, washroom or company childcare provisions.
If the agency worker is in the same job for 12 weeks or more the Agency Work Regulations stipulate they should be entitled to equal treatment relating to pay, meal breaks, annual leave and pregnant agency workers are allowed to take time off for ante-natal appointments.
Ignorance isn’t an excuse
Employees can’t pretend they know nothing about the Agency work regulations they have a lawful requirement to ensure the terms of the new regulations are met.
If you work for an agency or one of the many umbrella companies that are operating in the UK make sure you fully understand the details of the Agency Work Regulations before you start work on a new contract. The Agency Work Regulations are designed to protect you and give you the same benefits as full-time workers. Whether you are a contractor or a recruiter it’s worth reading up on the Agency Work Regulations to know where both parties stand.
You’ve every right to earn the same pay and work in the same conditions as permanent employees so find out what you need to know from the latest Agency Work Regulations.