Great Britain: government won’t amend Agency Workers Regulations

Comply with the consensus.  The British regulations that transpose the European directive on agency workers will come into force in October 2011.  In a communiqué released on October 19th, employment relations minister Edward Davey said that the Government will not be proceeding with any amendment to the Regulations, in order to not break the agreement reached on the subject between the CBI employers’ organization and the TUC union. The risk, if amendments are introduced to favor employers, would indeed be for the TUC to turn to court to prevent this review – and it would most definitely win.  Yet, after surveying the two organizations, the Minister realized that no other arrangement was possible.  Saying that this outcome was “disappointing,” Davey nevertheless said that the 12-week period after which agency workers are entitled to the same rights as other employees will be complied with, and that the government will use the time left before the enforcement to develop the "best possible" guidance to help employers comply with their obligations.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

ent was possible. Saying that this outcome was “disappointing,” Davey nevertheless said that the 12-week period after which agency workers are entitled to the same rights as other employees will be complied with, and that the government will use the time left before the enforcement to develop the “best possible” guidance to help employers comply with their obligations.


Limited room for maneuver. As a matter of form, employers said they were disappointed by this announcement. “While we agree t

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...