Alarm over temporary workers’ rights

THE CBI yesterday called on the Government to review its decision to give extra employment rights to temporary workers after claiming it was having a “significant” effect on recruitment prospects.

The CBI said there should be a full review of the Agency Workers Directive, which came into effect in October, giving improved pay and holiday rights to temps.

A survey of more than 460 firms found that only one in six planned to increased recruitment of temporary workers, with one in five expecting to cut back. The CBI said it wanted Government-inspired “gold plating” of the EU directive to be stripped out, to minimise the “damage” and retain as many job opportunities as possible.

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Deputy director general Neil Bentley said the directive was having a negative impact on hiring intentions, which should set “alarm bells” ringing in Whitehall.

“We want a review next year to make sure it does not cause any more damage.

“It is in everyone’s interest to help as many people as possible to get into the labour market.”

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