September 17, 2010
The government’s plans for Agency Worker Regulations remain unclear and employers are reportedly growing anxious over what changes could be made.
Due to take effect in October 2011, the Agency Worker Regulations have been a bone of political contention over recent months, with both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties previously promising to adapt Labour’s regulations once in power.
However, despite recent questions raised in the House of Commons and letters to the Prime Minster regarding what amendments are planned, no definitive answer has yet been given except that the government is “considering the way forward”.
Under the regulations, employers will need to adapt their equal treatment policies regarding basic working and employment conditions, those being: pay; working hours; overtime; breaks; rest periods; holidays; and access to training and collective facilities, such as childcare.
Several other provisions are detailed but the current government has questioned the influence the European Union has exerted, claiming that “gold-plating” new laws could place extra burdens on businesses.
However, Agency Worker Regulations are not the only new regulations being reviewed by the government.
Following this month’s introduction of the ‘one-in one out’ approach, forcing ministers to remove redundant business regulations before introducing new ideas, the government is also considering alterations to the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and Additional Paternity Leave and Additional Statutory Paternity Pay (General) Regulations.
Employers eager to understand the government’s expectant changes should seek legal advice and make sure unneeded penalties and tribunals do not arise.
