More rights for temps

The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 is due to come into force on 1 October 2011. These regulations will give agency workers certain rights from their first day at work, as well as the same basic working conditions as permanent employees and workers after a 12-week qualifying period.

The Regulations do not apply retrospectively, this means that for agency workers already in an assignment on 1 October 2011, the qualifying period will only begin to accrue from this date.

Firms are encouraged to consult with the employment agencies they use to discuss how these regulations are going to affect them and what preparations they need to start making in advance of their introduction into law.

Companies that breach these Regulations could be at risk of Employment Tribunal claims from an agency worker or contract claim from the employment agency itself.

Related news articles - for FSA regulated firms.