David Cameron wishes to review the impending Agency Workers Directive because of concerns that the legislation might result in less opportunities for contractors and freelancers.
The Prime Minister said that in some instances, if you pile on additional rights and obligations, the end result is fewer people in employment.
Ever since the AWD was first mentioned, the recruitment industry has had concerns that the regulations will result in less opportunities for contractors.
Edward Davey, the Employment Relations Minister, met with representatives from the REC last week to discuss four of the key AWD issues. The REC has been calling on the government to publish official guidance as soon as possible so that agencies can be prepared for implementation next October.
Davey will meet with the representatives again next month once the REC has had chance to provide additional feedback from members on the key issues. Kevin Green said the meeting was positive and although he doesn't expect the government to reopen the whole debate, the REC will push for a limited review and the need for comprehensive, clear guidelines.
Adrian Marlowe, from the ARC pointed out that there is a clear distinction between regular employment and agency work. He believes that this distinction should not be blurred and any new regulations must ensure that agency jobs are not lost.
Marlowe wants the Agency Workers Regulations reviewed on a practical basis as opposed to a political one. The ARC is against the one rule applies to all principle and would like to see a longer qualification period before higher paid agency workers receive equal treatment rights but it also accepts that this would need union agreement and that is highly unlikely to be forthcoming.
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