REC and TUC publish factsheet to help agency workers understand their rights

From today, agency workers’ rights have been expanded as part of the government’s Good Work Plan. To help guide agency workers through these changes, as well as highlight their pre-existing rights, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) and Trades Union Congress (TUC) have worked together to produce a factsheet for them.

As of 6 April 2020, the provisions in the Agency Workers Regulations known as the ‘Swedish derogation’ that previously allowed agency workers to be paid between assignments, instead of receiving equal pay after working for 12 weeks for the same client in the same role, will now be unlawful.

Other changes coming into effect today include:

• Agency workers are now entitled to a ‘Key Information Document’ when they register with an employment business, outlining essential information such as:

- the type of contract they are on
- the identity of the business paying them
- their pay rate
- holiday entitlements and other benefits.

• Agency workers are now entitled to a ‘Written statement of particulars’ no later than day one of their employment, setting out the key terms and conditions that apply between the worker and their employer.

The REC and TUC factsheet aims to make more agency workers aware of the changes coming into force today, as well as reiterate the rights that they already have. It also contains tips for choosing a compliant recruitment agency, and steps they can take if they have a complaint. This will help to protect and empower these workers moving forward, even during these times of crisis.

Although not covered in this factsheet, during the coronavirus outbreak it is important that agency workers, employers and employment agencies understand the support available to them. If work is not available due to the current situation, agencies can apply to furlough workers and utilise the 80% wage subsidy available through the Job Retention Scheme. It is therefore vital that the government quickly provides clarity on how the scheme applies to agencies and their workers, and ensures that agencies have sufficient cashflow to meet their obligations in this very difficult time.

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said:

“The REC is proud to stand up for both recruitment agencies and agency workers, who do vital work supporting every sector of the UK economy. It is essential that agency workers are aware of their rights, and we hope that this factsheet will help them to make informed decisions about their jobs. Importantly, we would also urge recruitment agencies to share this factsheet with their workers to increase transparency around their rights and pay.

“Once we get through the current crisis, government must continue the work to increase compliance by regulating umbrella companies, and extending the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate’s remit to include them. This would allow agency workers to bring complaints against non-compliant umbrella companies, as they can with recruitment agencies.”

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Trade union campaigning has won stronger rights for agency workers. Pay Between Assignment contracts will be abolished from April, which should lead to agency workers getting a much-deserved pay increase.  

“We want all agency workers to know about these new rights, and other important rights like equal pay rules and holiday entitlement. So we hope our joint factsheet with the REC will be shared far and wide – to workers, employment agencies and the firms that use them. Between us we can make sure that agencies and agency workers know these rights, deliver them and get the benefits.”

Ends

 

Notes to Editors:

Download the REC and TUC factsheet Agency workers: Your rights explained 

 Contact details

Contact the REC press office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829.

Contact the TUC press office on media@tuc.org.uk or 020 7467 1248.

About the organisations

The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for their candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.