Fewer employers plan to cut the amount of agency labour they use than in 2008, according to research from employment law firm Eversheds.

Ahead of implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) in October, the figures reveal the number of employers looking to cut agency labour use has fallen from 64% in 2008 to 24% now.

The research also show 34% of respondents are still paying agency workers less than comparable employees, while 16% of respondents are considering mitigating the effects of the AWR by terminating some agency engagements after 11 weeks, thereby preventing qualification for equal rights.

Mark Hammerton, partner at Eversheds, says: “This could suggest that hirers have already reduced reliance on agency workers but this would run contrary to recent reports that flexible working is flourishing.“

“The relatively long introduction to the Regulations since 2008, has at least allowed hirers some opportunity to review their business needs and to prepare for 1 October 2011. There are nonetheless many adjustments still to be made.”