Indications are that the Agency Workers Directive (AWD) will affect four out of five UK contractors when it comes into
force, so being aware of its implications may become almost as important to some contractors as IR35 legislation is.
The AWD was adopted by the UK government in May 2008 after a last-minute deal between unions, government and
the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Designed to protect vulnerable agency workers, the AWD will give equal
pay and employments rights to agency workers after 12 weeks working for the same client.
It is not clear at this stage exactly how the directive will be enforced once it is
implemented in the UK. What is certain, however, is that there will be an impact on about 80% of contractors, as
well as recruitment agencies and their end-user clients. This is likely to result in higher costs within
the sector and, potentially, a substantial new burden of administration.
What does the Agency Workers Directive mean for contractors?
Fears that the AWD spells the end of contracting are unfounded as indications suggest ltd company contractors may be in the clear – but not umbrellas.
Do you want employment rights?
The European Commission wants to force us all to have employment rights, and the unions are trying to use the proposal to destroy the contracting industry. But do we want these rights?
^ TopRecent News
What does the Agency Workers Directive mean for contractors?
Fears that the AWD spells the end of contracting are unfounded as indications suggest ltd company contractors may be in the clear – but not umbrellas.
Last January
|
Mon, 25 Jan 2010
Contractors face mixed outlook as BIS proposes new Agency Workers Regulations
Following the decision to delay implementation of the Agency Workers Directive, BIS has revealed the proposed regulations in a new consultation.
Last October
|
Tue, 20 Oct 2009
Contractors welcome U-turn that delays implementation of the Agency Workers Directive
Lord Mandelson is expected to announce later today that the implementation of the Agency Workers Directive will be delayed.
Last October
|
Thu, 15 Oct 2009
Agency Workers Directive will be law ‘in the coming few months’, confirms PM Brown
In his speech to the Trades Union Congress, Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed that the AWD will become law in the next session of Parliament.
Last September
|
Wed, 16 Sep 2009
Mixed news for contractors as the final BIS consultation on the AWD is held in London
Ltd company contractors probably excluded but umbrella contractors most likely included following the final consultation on the AWD at BIS in London.
Last July
|
Wed, 15 Jul 2009
Agency Workers Directive seminar reveals government threat to contractor livelihoods
The threat to contractors’ livelihoods from the AWD come from UK government, and not the EC, according to legal specialists, Lawspeed, and others.
Last June
|
Fri, 26 Jun 2009
Momentum builds to exclude contractors from ‘harmful’ Agency Workers Directive
The Association of Professional Staffing Companies adds its voice to the rising number of bodies calling for contractors to be outside the AWD.
Last June
|
Tue, 23 Jun 2009
Recruiter body defends contractors’ rights in new Agency Workers Directive proposals
The Association of Recruitment Consultancies proposes a two-tier system for the Agency Workers Directive that won’t impact on contractor livelihoods.
Last June
|
Tue, 02 Jun 2009
MEPs give thumbs up to AWD whilst PCG lobbies for contractor recognition
The Agency Workers Directive moves closer to passing through the European Parliament, whilst PCG plans to lobby for contractors’ exclusion from AWD.
Last October
|
Tue, 28 Oct 2008
Agency Workers Directive opt-out for UK contractors is looking increasingly likely
An Agency Workers Directive opt-out for UK contractors is being backed by UK parliament’s Regulatory Reform Committee Chairman Andrew Miller.
Last October
|
Mon, 13 Oct 2008
^ TopUseful Sources
Agency Workers Directive
Copy of the EU Proposal
Agency Workers Directive Impact Calculator
What is the financial impact on your income if the legislation comes into force?