AWD delay welcomed

Fri, 22 Jan 2010

The delay in implementing of agency workers directive has been welcomed by the industry.

Final regulations for the UK implementation of the EU Agency Workers Directive (AWD), which confirmed delayed implementation until October 2011, were laid before Parliament yesterday.

Kevin Green, chief executive at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, says: “Professional recruiters will bear the brunt of making these complex regulations work on the ground and we are pleased that some of the recruitment industry’s key concerns have been taken on board.

“In particular, we welcome the delayed implementation date and the decision not to impose potentially damaging restrictions on the fees charged by agencies where a temporary worker is taken on permanently by an employer.

“However, there are real concerns that these EU regulations are ill-adapted to the UK labour market and could limit job opportunities at a time when flexible working options are providing a crucial route into employment. The priority now is to ensure that effective guidance is developed for employers and recruitment agencies.”

David Yeandle, manufacturers organisation EEF head of employment policy, says: “Manufacturers will be pleased the government has confirmed that this legislation will come into force in October 2011 and that it has resisted pressure for its earlier implementation.

“However, we remain concerned about the costs and administrative burdens that this new legislation will impose on employers and, in particular, about the decision to include some bonus payments in the definition of pay that will be used for equal treatment.

“It will now be important for the government to publish clear and practical guidance for employers on these regulations well before their implementation in October 2011.”