Agency workers will get new rights in terms of pay, paid leaves and overtime after 12 weeks at work. Measures will be implemented to prevent employers from firing these workers after 11 weeks to re-hire them later – which would have enabled them to get round the application of the new rights. Pat McFadden, Minister for Employment Relations, commented on the beginning of the consultation, which started on May 8 and will last until July 31, 2009. “Last year we reached agreement in Europe on the Agency Workers Directive, based on the agreement reached between the CBI and TUC. These proposals set out how we intend to implement equal treatment for agency workers in Britain.” He added that he was satisfied that flexibility was maintained for employers and agency workers. “In both good times and bad it is vital that we give people a fair deal at work without damaging our flexible labor market and putting jobs at risk.”
out how we intend to implement equal treatment for agency workers in Britain.” He added that he was satisfied that flexibility was maintained for employers and agency workers. “In both good times and bad it is vital that we give people a fair deal at work without damaging our flexible labor market and putting jobs at risk.”
Employers remain cautious. John Cridland, CBI Deputy-Director General, had a more measured reaction. He notably mentioned the complexity of application of the law, citing Fra
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