AWR Guidance Notes

The BIS has published the final guidelines on the Agency Workers Regulations. The guidelines vary very little from the draft publish last month, with mostly just tweaks to clarify wording.  In a statement Employment Relations Minister Ed Davey said: “The agency sector is a key part of the UK’s flexible labour market.  It provides the flexibility needed for employers to meet surges in demand, cover temporary absences or cope with seasonal fluctuations and provides a route into employment for thousands of individuals.

“We looked carefully at the possibility of amending the Regulations to address employers’ concerns but were forced to conclude that we could not do so without putting the 12-week qualifying period at risk. This qualification period is something that is a key flexibility that we know is vital to business.

“Our focus therefore has been on providing the best possible guidance to help everyone affected understand these regulations. We have collaborated with key organisations including employment agencies, employers, trade unions and representative bodies to develop this guidance and I believe the resulting document will help prepare everyone for the forthcoming changes.”

de Poel, the number one procurer of temporary agency labour, is holding Agency Workers Regulations seminars later this month, Tuesday 24th May, Midland Hotel and Tuesday 7th June, Dartmouth House, London,  to discuss the final guidance and give some expert advice.  Lisa Moses, BIS, who has been instrumental in the development of the regulations, will be attendinding the seminar and will lead the Q&A session.