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Employers: Taking on agency workers for the first time!

Guest post by: Bill Wynn

Article Overview: Bill Wynn, Managing Director of Project Resource Limited gives employers some advice on hiring agency workers for the first time.

Employers: Taking on agency workers for the first time!

I thought it would be useful to give a little advice to employers that have not hired agency contract workers previously, highlighting some key points for consideration. Using agency staff can be ideal, especially when you need emergency temporary cover. One potential drawback is that it costs more than employing a temporary staff member directly. However, a big benefit is that all of the administration and any potential headaches are handled by the recruitment agency.

The employer usually pays the agency and the agency pays the worker. The rate will include National Insurance payments, holiday pay and sick pay, as well as an administration fee and profit margin.

It is the agency's responsibility to meet requirements such as paying the worker at least the national minimum wage, but do some research to ensure you are happy with the agency's reputation. Are they members of REC, APSCo or ARC? Preferably all three, as we are. Any poor experience the worker has - such as not getting paid on time or the right amount - could reflect badly on your business.

By law, employment agencies must comply with the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. These regulations stop agencies from charging workers fees for finding jobs. Agencies must also ensure a worker has any qualifications legally required to do the work.

Even though agency staff do not work directly for you, you are still responsible for their health and safety. In fact, the worker is likely to be at greater risk, because they don't know the business well. Business Link gives some useful advice to agencies and employers to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities for health and safety.

You must also comply with rules such as the Working Time Regulations and ensure temporary employees get the rest periods they are entitled to. More information on this can be obtained again from Business link on hours, rest breaks and the working week.

I hope you found this post of interest. Are there any questions you have that I can answer for you?

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Article Tags: agency workers, construction, contract, employment, freelance, interim solutions, project resource, workers



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