Agency workers promised same rights as permanent employees

In the Queen's Speech on Wednesday 18th November, the Queen stated that the "Government will legislate to provide agency workers with the right to be treated equally with permanent staff on pay, holidays and other basic conditions."

The Regulations will provide for agency workers to be treated no less favourably by an employer than they would be if they had been recruited directly.

In addition to providing for equal treatment on pay, holiday and basic conditions for agency workers after 12 weeks, the regulations are also expected to provide equal access to improved rights to protect the health and safety of expectant mothers such as right to reasonable time off to attend ante-natal appointments and the right to be given information about vacancies. These additional rights however are likely to apply from the first day of the assignment rather than after 12 weeks.

The Government is currently consulting on the Regulations, with the consultation closing on 11 December 2011. It is intended that the Regulations will come into force in October 2011.

For more information on employment law and HR services, please contact Sandeep Leighsh on sandeep.leighs@harveyingram.com or call 0116 257 6193.