Great Britain: government and unions trying to compromise on agency workers

On February 25, the government met with unions to try and find a compromise on agency workers. Gordon Brown is stuck between unions and the Labor party, who pressure him and growingly support Andrew Miller's bill on the alignment of agency workers' rights on those of permanent workers. (Ref. 080159)
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“The Prime Minister recognized the importance of the issue and the problems that many agency workers face”, declared Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary after meeting with the government. “Gordon Brown reassured us that he wants to make progress on this vital issue. We need to consider very carefully the best mechanism to achieve this.” These remarks are accommodating after a stormy meeting, according to union leaders.

Back against the wall. The Prime Minister is in an uncomfortable situation:

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