Agency Workers to get the same rights as other employees?
May 9th, 2008 by GilesAgency workers may soon be entitled to the same salaries, paid time off and sick pay if a bill, soon to be debated in Parliament, succeeds. The private members’ bill, which comes as a result of pressure from Europe, won a crucial vote at the committee stage on Tuesday.
Both opposition parties attempted to stall the passage of the bill through Parliament by proposing an amendment. This was defeated by a concerted effort from Labour backbenchers, so the bill will go through to the next stage.
The employers’ organisations - the EEF and the CBI - both expressed dismay at the vote.
According to the CBI, the bill is” bad legislation that would be damaging for business and would not benefit vulnerable workers.” A spokesman for the EEF said “the bill can only increase manufacturers’ costs and administrative burdens, threatening UK manufacturing jobs.” However, the TUC welcomed the proposals.