Warning on employment rights

The recent campaign launched in the UK by the trade unions argues that agency workers should be provided with the same rights as their permanently employed colleagues. Elizabeth Henry, head of employment law at Last Cawthra Feather says: “It has been argued that many agency workers have chosen this life as an alternative to regular employment because of the different but real benefits it brings. On the other hand there is a feeling that all workers should have the same basic rights.” Agency workers form a vital part of the workforce with the UK being the largest users of temporary labour in the EU. Predictions by the CBI suggest that up to 250,000 posts in the UK may disappear if the difference between agency workers and employees were to be abolished. This could be detrimental to many businesses. Henry says: “Employers must be prepared for a change in legislation. The main issue prompting this campaign is the right not to be unfairly dismissed. As the law stands now, employed workers have this right after 12 months whilst- agency workers will never gain the right to bring unfair dismissal claims. “There are a number of issues which arise from the launch of this campaign which would lead to certainty in terms of status and it seems inevitable that new legislation will follow. Employers would be well advised to review their policies regarding agency staff and our firm is keen to provide advice on the subject. ” Last Cawthra Feather can be contacted on 01943 601 020.