The introduction of the Agency Workers Regulations on 1 October 2011 will give agency workers the right to the same basic employment and working conditions as if they had been recruited directly by the hirer, when they have completed a 12 week qualifying period in the job.  Issues affected include pay, duration of working time, night work, rest periods and breaks, annual leave and paid time off for ante-natal appointments.  The Regulations also include new entitlements for agency workers with regards to access to facilities at the workplace and the right to be notified of any relevant vacancies.

Northern Ireland plans to bring this legislation into operation by 5th December 2011.

There was an article about these Regulations in the August issue of Master Builder.

To download the Department for Business guidance click here.