The AWR’s came into force on 1 October 2011 and apply to workers who are assigned to do temporary work (for hirers) via an agency.

Day One Rights

The Regulations provide that all agency workers must have access to a hirer’s facilities from the first day of their assignment.  This includes the use of a canteen, a workplace crèche, toilet/shower facilities, transport services or car parking.  Liability for failure to provide access will be on the hirer, not the agency.

In addition, the agency worker must have access to information about any relevant job vacancies with the hirer during their assignment.

Equal Treatment Following a Qualifying Period

In addition, after completion of a 12 week qualifying period, agency workers are entitled to the same ‘basic working and employment conditions’ that they would have been entitled to had they been recruited directly by the hirer.  The agency worker must have undertaken the same role, whether on one or more assignments, with the same hirer for 12 continuous calendar weeks.

Continuity of 12 weeks will not be broken by:

  • Sickness absence of up to 28 weeks;
  • Jury service up to 28 weeks;
  • Maternity/pregnancy-related absences; or
  • Planned shutdowns, strikes or annual leave.

The 12 week period does not apply retrospectively and so those agency workers already on assignment on 1 October 2011 will start to accrue their 12-week qualifying period from that date.

Equal Treatment

Following the completion of the 12 week period, the agency worker is entitled to the same basic working and employment conditions that are included in the contracts of employees of the hirer including those relating to pay and working time.

Enforcement and Remedies

An agency worker can make a claim for breach of the Regulations.  The time limit for presenting claims to a tribunal will usually be three months from the date of the infringement.  The tribunal can make a declaration, order payment of compensation and/or make recommendations.  Compensation payable will be a ‘just and equitable’ amount.  There is no maximum award, although there is a minimum award of two weeks’ pay.

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Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

Joanne Rowe, Finance Director, Greater Manchester Chamber

“Always able to contact, very approachable, friendly and professional”

Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

“Jo always provides great service, understands our needs and delivers on her promises. Our needs are relatively simple but the complexity arises out of the volume of work and short time frames, Jo always delivers.”

Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

“A big thank you to all who dealt with my wife’s claim… We would not hesitate to recommend Davis Blank Furniss to anyone that may be in a situation like we have been…”

Anon (Personal Injury client)

“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

Anon (Family client)
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