The Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) come into force on October 1st 2011 and will impact upon every business that engages temporary workers in the UK.
From 1st October 2011 agency workers will be entitled to new rights under the AWR and these Regulations acknowledge the role of temporary workers in the labour market and the vital contribution they make to the UK economy. Temporary workers provide a flexible workforce, allowing businesses to meet short term skills shortages, continuity during planned absences, project delivery deadlines and seasonal demands.
So what will this mean in reality ?
The purpose of the Regulations is toprovide agency workers the entitlement to the same basic employment and working conditions as if they had been recruited directly, if and when they complete a qualifying period of 12 weeks in the same job. Agency workers will also be entitled to access to facilities and information on job vacancies from Day 1 of their assignment.
As cranleigh is a specialist provider of temporary and contract staff we have taken the time to understand this legislation and our aim is to inform and consult with our clients to ensure they are compliant, ready and prepared for the arrival of the AWR on 1st October 2011.
We have produced a factsheet on the Regulations to download and in addition guidance notes have been published by BIS that are available on their website: BIS Guidelines on AWR.
The introduction of the AWR will mean that hirers of temporary workers will need to work with trusted recruitment partners who can support them in managing compliance. Cranleigh has a dedicated compliance manager for the AWR as well as access to a team of legal experts. We will be pleased to assist you in understanding and assessing what impact, if any, the AWR may have on your business and can discuss the options with you as well as offering "impact assessments" at your premises.
For more information please contact us at help@cranleighrecruitment.co.ukor call 01483 548804.