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Agency Workers Regulations??
coozer - 8/10/11 at 01:06 AM

Anyone else not happy with the new regs?

I'm working for an agency and it suits me down to the ground. I travel 3/4 mile to work where I've been covering sickness and holidays. This has been ongoing since March this year.

Now they tell me because theres no permanent vacancy's I can only work 11 weeks and then I'm laid off for a week (where another agency driver goes in) and then I can start another 11 week period.

All this AWR has done is actually do me out of work.

Anyone else affected?

Steve

Ninehigh - 8/10/11 at 02:22 AM

That sounds like a steaming pile of male bovine excrement.

I've worked for agencies for 4 months at a time, and I know of some that have done it for years.

I take it they'll find you something else for that week

jollygreengiant - 8/10/11 at 07:33 AM

quote:
Originally posted by coozer
Anyone else not happy with the new regs?

I'm working for an agency and it suits me down to the ground. I travel 3/4 mile to work where I've been covering sickness and holidays. This has been ongoing since March this year.

Now they tell me because theres no permanent vacancy's I can only work 11 weeks and then I'm laid off for a week (where another agency driver goes in) and then I can start another 11 week period.

All this AWR has done is actually do me out of work.

Anyone else affected?

Steve


From what I was hearing on the radio the other day, when they were discussing the new incoming regulations, what I heard sounded like that sort of carry on would be illegal. That is to say, finishing one temp worker and bringing another one in to fill 'the same post' was illegal. It might be worth having a word with a specialist in employment law.

designer - 8/10/11 at 07:55 AM

It's because of the new regulations designed to 'protect' agency workers. If you work a full 12 weeks you are entitled to the same benefits as full time workers.

MakeEverything - 8/10/11 at 09:14 AM

In my industry however, it suits everyone. I (as an employer) dont see why i would want agency workers WITHOUT the same benefits as permanent staff.

The benefit of equality such as this is greater team practice, and protected employment for all. whilst the agency worker may be entitled to a months notice, it also means that he needs to give me a months notice.

Win / Win for medium / long term agency workers, but i understand the difficulties for short term agency workers. Agencies were, after all, a good opportunity to make an increased rate very quickly. I dont see why there cant be a waiver for this though, such as for the working time directive.

[Edited on 8-10-11 by MakeEverything]

coozer - 8/10/11 at 10:32 AM

Ok, had a closer look at the regs, seems the 12 week qualifying can only be cancelled by a 6 week break.....

So, now I can see me being done out of the job....

Its HGV driving so I am bound by the working time directive, as well as tacho regs. Any infringements = big fines and the threat of jail.. so, its dead easy to live within them regs, now there's more that works against me.

Misery....

This country stinks....

[Edited on 8/10/11 by coozer]