The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has released a new set of guidelines for employers on agency workers' rights, in a bid to protect thousands of workers across the UK. According to The Grocer, the guidance, which comes into effect immediately, is designed to clarify employers' obligations under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 and the Working Time Regulations 1998. This includes ensuring agency workers receive equal treatment to permanent staff in terms of pay, holidays, and rest breaks.
Acas has highlighted the importance of proper induction processes, record-keeping, and contract management to prevent exploitation. The organisation has also urged employers to conduct regular audits to guarantee compliance with regulations.
The new guidance is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of agency workers, many of whom have been exploited in the past. Acas has stated that the move will help to promote a fairer and more transparent recruitment process for agency workers.
The guidance is available on the Acas website and is free to download. Employers are encouraged to review the guidelines and make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance with the regulations.