A webinar held by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation on Thursday 22nd July 2010 saw over 250 members participating in what was to be a hugely successful event. The Agency Workers Regulations are due to take effect from 1st October 2011 and the REC is planning several events from September to the end of 2010 in preparation for the new directive.
The webinar revealed the latest feedback from the government and clients as well as providing an update of the main areas of the regulations. Many questions were raised during the webinar and these concerns will be presented to the Employment Relations minister as part of a regular briefing.
Several of the questions were focused on areas such as the exclusion of self employed workers and rights for pregnant workers. The Agency Workers Regulations are aimed at providing temporary workers and contractors the same rights as employees after 12 weeks in the same contract. It is essential that the regulations are applied fairly to agency workers without causing extra administration for recruiters.
The REC has put into place many measures seeking to clarify the regulations and address the many concerns of recruiters and agency workers. Temporary working is seen by many as a flexible option but could lead to difficulties for anyone who wishes to remain outside IR35 legislation, as being given the same rights as an employee could compromise their situation.
Director of external relations for REC, Tom Hadley said:
“Being ahead of the game on new regulations and being able to work with clients to implement changes such as the AWR is one of the best examples of added value that there is.”
One of the aims of agencies is to be able to show just how much they offer their clients in terms of added value. Any contractors who would like more information regarding AWR should contact a reputable umbrella company.