The recommendations of the REC agency work commission on the European Agency Worker’s directive has received the backing of a number of businiess organisations.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) have all put their weight behind the report’s recommendations on how to define equal treatment and avoid unnecessary administration for agencies at the higher end of the temporary and interim market.

The directive, which entitles temporary workers to the same pay and working time conditions as permanent staff, has until 5 December 2011 to be implemented into UK law.

Commenting on the endorsements by the CBI, CIPD, BCC and PCG, REC chief executive Kevin Green says: “The fact that the  work and recommendations of the Agency Work Commission have received the backing of leading business organisations is significant on a number of levels.

“It is crucial to build consensus between employer organisations on this issue and to make it clear that  the practical recommendations on AWD implementation represent the views of  both the suppliers and users of agency workers.

“In addition, the endorsements we have received are significant in that they recognise the key role that the REC has played in leading the debate on making the EU Directive workable in the UK.”