The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is calling for caution ahead of the EU Presidencyís decision on the Agency Workers Directive, arguing that the flexible nature of temporary work would be seriously undermined if the directive is too restrictive about how an agency worker's pay is calculated.
As the UKís recruitment body, the REC fully supports any measures that protect the rights of temporary workers but has expressed concern that the Directive in its current draft could deter businesses from using temporary staff.
Helen Reynolds, Acting Chief Executive Officer for the REC said: ìIt is important that the contribution of agency workers is recognised and rewarded but the Agency Workers Directive could actually jeopardise thousands of temporary jobs as businesses struggle to meet additional regulation.
ìThis would have serious consequences for the thousands of temporary workers that choose agency work for a level of flexibility that simply isnít possible in permanent positions.î
This view is supported by the RECís 2006 Tracking Report, which found that levels of satisfaction amongst temporary workers are increasing year on year. In 2006 on average 77 per cent of temps were satisfied with their temporary placement. Additionally an increasing number of temporary workers have access to training with 45 per cent being offered training or education during their current or most recent assignment.
The Report also highlighted how employers recognise the value of temporary with 40 per cent of employers saying they would introduce internal flexible working, including overtime, if they were unable to use agency workers, adding significant cost to businesses and pressure on the permanent workforce.
This week, the TUC congress will be looking at agency workersí rights and the possibility of extending the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to the entire recruitment industry.
Reynolds continues on the subject of licensing: ìThe REC welcomed the introduction of the GLA but believes that it is too soon to begin discussing its extension. We need to make sure the GLA is doing its job, putting rogue labour providers out of business before extension can be considered.
ìThe REC supports measures to address instances where agency workers rights are undermined, but it is important that these measures do not hinder reputable labour providers and employers.î
The REC is represented on both the Gangmasters Licensing Authority board and the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reformís Vulnerable Workers Enforcement Forum to ensure that worker rights are upheld.
REC urges caution on agency workers directive decision
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