Recruiters have an opportunity to make their voices heard in shaping the terms and conditions of how the European Agency Workers Directive is implemented in the UK.

Consultation opened yesterday on the implementation of the controversial legislation, which proposes to increase pay and benefits rights of agency workers here after 12 weeks of work at the same job.

This first stage of the consultation will run for 12 weeks until 31 July. The government is seeking views on who should be covered by the Directive as well as on other points such as the definition of pay, holiday entitlement, duration of working time, the 12 weeks qualifying period, how the principle of ‘equal treatment’ should be established, liability for compliance with obligations under the Directive, and dispute resolution.

Following the end of the initial stage of consultation, the government will publish its response and then conduct a second stage consultation on draft regulations.

European Union member states have until 5 December 2011 to implement the EU Directive.

To respond to the consultation by letter or fax, send to:

Anita Thomas

Agency Workers Directive Policy Team

BERR

1 Victoria Street

London SW1H OET

Tel: 020 7215 5963

Fax: 020 7215 0168