UK employers have been urged to conduct an assessment on the impact of impending AWR regulations by Brian Wilkinson, head of Randstad UK.

Wilkinson’s comment follow Randstad research which shows 37% of employers are unfamiliar with the regulations, due to come into force in October.

Wilkinson says: “With the implementation of the AWR just a few months away, it is a concern that such a high proportion of organisations are so unprepared. We urge all users of agency workers to conduct a thorough assessment of their human capital resources and the impact of the Regulations. Doing this properly will enable organisations to optimise the structure and efficiency of their workforces.

“While Randstad recognises the teething challenges that the AWR poses users of agency workers, those that supply them and the workers themselves, we support the Regulations in their ambition to professionalise the use of agency workers and, in particular, give greater recognition to those that are paid on an hourly basis and often working unsocial hours.

“The equalisation of basic working and employment conditions for agency workers will encourage more people that don’t want permanent work to enter the labour market. That is good for them and it’s good for UK employers.”