Agency staff must not be treated like “second class citizens”, says TUC

embargo: 00.01hrs Monday 5 December 2016

Commenting on today’s report on agency workers by the Resolution Foundation, which shows full- time agency workers earn £430 a year less, on average, than identical employees in the same role, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Agency workers don’t deserve to be treated like second-class citizens.  But they are often paid less than their permanent colleagues, even when they do exactly the same job.

“As well as suffering a pay penalty, agency staff have fewer rights at work and are more vulnerable to exploitation. 

“We need the government to toughen the law to create a level playing field for agency workers. Too many employers are getting away with treating them unfairly.”

The TUC has become increasingly frustrated about the growing use of the loophole known as the Swedish derogation. This loophole allows agency workers placed with companies to be paid less than direct employees, provided the agency agrees to continue paying them for at least four weeks at times when it is unable to find them work.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
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Michael Pidgeon  T: 020 7467 1372  M: 07717 531150  E: mpidgeon@tuc.org.uk