AGENCY WORKERS REGULATIONS IN JUST A MINUTE

AGENCY WORKERS REGULATIONS IN JUST A MINUTE

The Agency Workers Directive (AWR) takes effect on 1st October 2011. The legislation and official Government guidance notes run to over 80 pages. So it’s a fair bet that hard pressed employers and managers will struggle to wade their way through the complete document.

That’s why Driver Hire, the leading specialist transport and logistics recruiter, has prepared a summary of the Regulations which can be read in just 60 seconds. It’s all part of the second phase of Driver Hire’s ‘Prepare yourself for the AWR’ campaign. As Chief Executive Chris Chidley explains: “Whilst the Regulations don’t change the many benefits and flexibility of using agency staff, they do introduce rules and regulations of which all employers must be aware.”

So, in September, Driver Hire is running a series of free half-day AWR seminars that cover everything employers need to know. All delegates will also receive an AWR information pack – including the “60 seconds guide”. Seminars take place at the following venues:

September 7th                       Hilton Hotel, Bradford

September 8th                       Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow

September 13th                    Hilton Hotel, Coventry

September 14th                    Hallmark Hotel, Croydon

September 20th                    Mercure South Marsden Hotel & Spa, Swindon

The Regulations will mean employers need to be aware of how long temporary staff have been working for them. To help them stay AWR compliant, Driver Hire’s dedicated AWR project team have developed specially-designed software processes and tracking systems. The new online system is being made available free of charge to Driver Hire customers.

“We’ve participated in trade and Government consultation in an effort to ensure that the Regulations are implemented in a fair and user-friendly way for workers and employers,” Chris Chidley continues. “However, the road transport industry has some catching up to do. We conducted an AWR survey earlier this year that showed 59% of respondents admitted that they hadn’t heard of the Regulations and 79% said they had done nothing to prepare for them.

“Cases brought for non-compliance could involve all parties. So it’s essential that employers understand the Regulations and have a working knowledge of them. That’s why we’re running the seminars and have invested in our AWR tracking system which will help customers stay compliant.”

For more information on Driver Hire’s free AWR seminars, contact Pam Ward on 0844 846 0024