I read with interest the recent article about the government’s decision not to change the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) (recruiter.co.uk, 20 October).

As the number one procurer of temporary agency labour in the UK, we are delighted that the government has taken this decision. Businesses that use temporary agency workers are now able to start planning and put into place procedures that will support the implementation of the regulations.

The introduction of the AWR is a positive step for employers and temporary workers; however, as the CBI has highlighted it’s not without its challenges. It presents an enormous challenge for the recruitment industry as well as companies who recruit agency staff.

Compelling organisations to gain tighter control of their agency suppliers, not to mention the pay rates the temporary staff are working for, will lead to a weighty administrative burden for client users and put strain on resource, inducing some heavy indirect costs. Meanwhile, agencies may need to increase charge rates and bring in more of their own staff if they are to make a profit and cope with the extra paperwork respectively.

However, the move is positive for businesses and most importantly the 1.3m temporary agency workers, who will finally be recognised for their contribution to the UK workforce.

Although the legislation does not come into force until October next year, organisations need to begin preparation now, and consideration needs to be given as to how they are going to place temporary agency workers within their business in the future, to ensure they can still maintain an efficient, cost effective, flexible workforce, without breaking the rules.

Matthew Sanders,
chief executive, de Poel