The Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) come into force next week (1st October). But are you ready?

It has probably not helped that there is a 12 week qualifying period (in respect of comparable pay but not access to work facilities) meaning many companies have focused on the 24th December as being the key date!

AWR means that a temporary worker needs to be paid at least the same as a comparable permanent worker if one exists. It also means that they need to share comparable working conditions and facilities.

The bad news for recruitment agencies that are not yet AWR ready is that as well as potentially having to pay the contractor additional pay to ensure they are not worse off, there is also the possibility of fines up to £5,000 per case.

At PayMatters we have designed an Equal Treatment Questionnaire which ensures that recruitment agencies can meet their legal requirements and hence mitagate any potential losses.

If you are a recruitment agency or employ contractors direct then please do not hesitate in contacting our team for further information.

Telephone 0800 121 6513.