Campaign reply - Strike vote 11th July 25/07/22

Thank you for contacting me about rights for agency workers. 

Agency workers in the UK play a vital role in supporting delivery in a number of sectors and many people choose this highly flexible approach to work. 

 

It was identified following the Taylor Review that the ‘Swedish derogation’ loophole allowed agency workers to be employed on cheaper rates than permanent counterparts. To repeal this the Government introduced the Agency Workers (Amendment) Regulations 2019 which came into effect on 6 April 2020. This has increased protections for agency workers on pay between assignment contracts and improved transparency for agency workers over how and what they will be paid when taking up assignments.

 

Agency workers already receive other protections through the Agency Workers Regulations and the Employment Agencies Act 1973, which includes protections enforced by the state through the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate. 

 

I agree that it is essential that all those in work know what rights and protections they have. This should be simple to understand and easily accessible. Many employers already go beyond the existing legal requirements to ensure that their workforces have the guidance and support to claim their entitlements.

 

I welcome that the Government has made progress in respect to giving all workers the right to receive a statement of their rights from day one and quadrupling the maximum fine for employers who treat their employees poorly.

 

Previously, agency staff were not allowed to be hired to provide temporary work cover during strikes. However, the law has now been changed to allow businesses most impacted by industrial action to fill vital roles with temporary, skilled workers.

 

By allowing trained, temporary workers to carry out crucial role, businesses impacted by strike action the freedom can tap into the services of employment businesses to temporarily cover essential roles during strikes. This will keep crucial sectors moving and minimise the negative and unfair impact of strikes on the British public by ensuring that businesses and services can continue operating.

 

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.