Agency Workers Regulations: agency warns ‘act now’

Agency Workers Regulations: agency warns ‘act now’
 

The Agency Workers Regulations have now been part of employment law for a month – but some companies still haven’t adopted the necessary procedures.
 
Independent Peterborough agency Anne Corder Recruitment has been working with clients for around two years to prepare for the introduction of the regulations.
 
But the Peterborough agency is still aware of some businesses which haven’t taken the necessary steps to ensure they comply with the regulations.
 
The new rules bring equal treatment in terms of pay and benefits for temporary workers, engaged through an agency, in line with comparable permanent members of staff.
 
In some areas – such as the use of collective facilities like access to a canteen, gym or childcare - that entitlement has already kicked in. All temps engaged from October 1 must have the same rights of access as permanent staff doing a comparable job.
 
Other rights, for instance holiday entitlement, kick in for temps after they’ve been in the same post for 12 weeks.
 
While the onus is on agencies to ensure the regulations are adhered to, there is also a responsibility on firms to supply information.
 
“We have worked closely with a lot of companies in the Peterborough area to make sure they understand the regulations and how they will affect both them and the temps and agencies they use,” said ACR recruitment partner Karen Dykes. “Unfortunately, as generally happens, there are always some people who bury their head in the sand hoping it’ll go away. These regulations won’t and any company which uses temps either now or is likely to use them in the future needs to be aware.”
 
ACR is offering a free impact assessment for businesses to help identify areas which may need attention to ensure compliancy with the regulations. For more information email info@annecorder.co.uk or call 01733 319888.