A Union For Agency Workers
As an agency worker you sign up to an agency that can provide you work from the companies they have on their books. You can usually obtain a contract of employment or a services agreement between yourself and the agency. Some users of this agency worker service call it temping.
The Workers Union Supports Agency Workers
Agency work is not the same as full time regular employment. This is the most obvious reason why this union supports agency workers. You are often required to sign a contract before you start work with the agency. When you are part of an agency, you are working for a number of different firms at different times. It is harder to put together a reasonable schedule that takes advantage of the various strengths each firm has. The contract can protect both you and your employer. We often find that supporting this group of agency workers gives them a better system to stand up for themselves.
Agency Workers Rights In UK
These are your rights if you work for an agency: In addition you have the right to join a union and be able to negotiate your terms and conditions. The right to refuse to work for an employer you believe they mistreat you. The right to request a grievance if you feel you have been treated badly. Your rights are further strengthened after a set period. Rights after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks in the job, you qualify for the same rights as someone employed directly. This is known as ‘equal treatment’. Your rights include:
equal pay, the same pay as a permanent colleague doing the same job, automatic, pension enrolment, paid annual leave.
Agency Workers Services
These are not directly associated with the rights of agency workers. However, they still concern the rights of workers in the same situation as agency workers. These include the right to engage with your employer (including a right to join a union such as The Workers Union if you are not covered by a union) The right to take unfair dismissal laws into consideration. The right to join a union if you are not covered by a union. With the growth of the gig economy, there is a growing need for flexible work arrangements. The way that this is currently handled across the industry is not ideal. When you are part of an agency, you are working for a number of different firms at different times. It is harder to put together a reasonable schedule that takes advantage of the various strengths each firm has. This can be inadequate for dealing with the issues that workers in the gig economy face. How a firm selects who to hire is also an issue. If you work for a firm that has a wide variety of clients, it is hard to know which clients will be able to support you while still paying you a decent wage.
Other Things To Consider
Workers who are self-employed and those who are employees of an employer. To be self-employed, you do not have access to certain things that an employee of a firm has, one example is holiday entitlement.
Conclusion
With the growth of the gig economy, there is a growing need for flexible work arrangements. The way that this is currently handled across the industry is not ideal. When you are part of an agency, you are working for a variety of different firms at different times. It is harder to put together a reasonable schedule that takes advantage of the various strengths each firm has. Joining a union such as the workers union offers assistance to the individual agency worker and not the collective which has its advantages when immediate support is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Agency workers are individuals employed by an agency but placed with other businesses. They work across sectors on short‑term or ongoing assignments.
Yes, agency workers can transition to permanent roles if an employer offers it. This often follows successful placements and available vacancies.
After 12 weeks, agency workers gain equal treatment rights in pay and basic conditions. This includes holiday, rest breaks and working time entitlements.
Agency workers are entitled to holiday pay calculated on hours worked. Holiday earnings are paid through the agency.
Agency workers may be paid for bank holidays depending on contracts. Payment depends on assignment terms and accrual rules.
Agency workers share many rights with employees but not all. Equal treatment applies after 12 weeks but employment status differs.
I want to join
Join us today – it’s easy!
You’re just a few clicks away from investing in a better future for working people
I’m a member
All the support and advice you need
Log in to your account. Full access to your resources, contacts, personal dashboard, and instant advice.
