Commenting on the agreement on equal treatment for agency workers after 12 weeks, announced by the government today (Tuesday), John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:
Agency work is good for temps and for the firms that use them, and forms a central plank of the flexible labour market that is so important to our country's prosperity.
There has been a major risk of damaging legislation coming from Brussels, and the CBI has judged that the government's proposals represent the least worst outcome available for British business.
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Half of agency assignments will be unaffected as they last less than 12 weeks - protecting businesses' ability to deal with peaks and troughs in demand and shorter-term staff absences. And while pay is covered, occupational benefits that recognise the long-term relationship permanent staff have with an employer, like sick pay and pensions, are rightly excluded.
Critically, as well as enabling the European directive on agency work to be put to bed, this agreement should allow the retention of the working hours opt-out from the working time directive, which is equally vital to the future of the British economy.
Agency Deal 'least worst option'
Agreement should allow retention of working time opt-out
