22.2.08

 

KAREN SINCLAIR AM AND MARTYN JONES MP FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF AGENCY WORKERS

 

This week both Karen Sinclair AM and Martyn Jones MP worked in their respective forums to increase the rights of agency workers across Britain. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation estimate that there are 1.25 million agency workers active in Britain on any one day.

 

Agency workers are frequently paid less than regular employees. They have far fewer rights to be unionised and protected in the workplace. They are exempt from laws protecting against unfair dismissal and excluded from training and other workplace opportunities.

 

This week in the Assembly Karen Sinclair AM worked to ensure a debate for better treatment of agency workers across Wales. The AM called for the Assembly to work with stakeholders and partners in local government to set new standards for the treatment of agency workers in local authorities through the setting up of a voluntary code.

 

This week in Westminster Martyn Jones MP worked with Andrew Miller MP to support the Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill, which would outlaw discrimination against agency workers.

 

In a joint statement the two senior Labour members stated:

 

“Agency workers do vital work throughout Wales. They are our cleaners, our tour guides and our clerks. It is all too often said that agency workers want added flexibility so they deserve lesser employment rights. It is true that they sometimes do want further flexibility. In this day and age working flexibility can be vital. People choose to work on a temporary basis to raise a family or to enjoy a more diverse lifestyle. However these workers are a valued part of every business and should be treated as such.

 

Why should someone who has worked loyally on a temporary basis for a company for the past 15 years suddenly be allowed to be dismissed unfairly? Why should they not be allowed equal statutory holiday or to participate fully in workplace democracy? Why should they not get paid the same as those doing the same work under the same circumstances?

 

The truth is that agency and temporary work is increasingly common and increasingly vital to the maintenance of our strong economy. They deserve protection under the law that reflects their key place in our financial future.”