The Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC) is urging the government to run a pilot scheme, before introducing the Agency Workers Directive.

The ARC has also proposed that the government limit implementation of the Directive and suggests it apply only to hirers that have binding pay rates and working conditions in force, as set out in the EU Directive.

The directive would give temporary workers the same benefits as permanent staff after 12 weeks.

Adrian Marlowe, chair of ARC, says: “The ideas set out in the consultation document are extremely complex, with the potential for massive disruption and real chaos in the temporary and contract recruitment industry. Faced with that prospect it makes sense to trial the scheme first.  There is also a very real the danger that the costings set out in the impact assessment significantly under represent the true costs to hirers, agencies and workers alike – and this is a recipe for disaster.”