AWR latest – Recruiters flag need for effective communication channels.
The equal treatment measures for temporary staff under the Agency Work Regulations (AWR) kicked in over the Christmas period. Although this does not appear to have resulted in a significant initial flurry of queries and requests for information from workers, recruiters have flagged concern over a lack of co-operation from some clients.
The first 12 weeks qualifying period was reached on December 24th. There has been significant interest in how this milestone might impact on recruiters and their clients.
Commenting on developments over the Christmas period, Lewina Farrell, REC Solicitor and Head of Professional Services says:
"As predicted, the world did not suddenly come to an end on December 24th. We will monitor the situation closely over the next few weeks and continue to ensure that recruiters are properly briefed in terms of handling any queries or claims from workers.
“Relatively few calls came into to the emergency legal help-line over the Christmas period which is a good sign. However, the feedback from members confirms that some clients remain reluctant to share relevant information for equal treatment purposes with their recruitment partners. An immediate priority is to continue reinforcing the message that the AWR is an issue for both agencies and clients.
“Clients who do not provide the relevant information to their agencies will be held liable by the employment tribunal for any breaches of the AWR which result from their unwillingness to co-operate. Therefore it is everyone’s interests to develop effective communication channels and imperative that clients pass the appropriate information to their recruitment partners in a timely fashion”.
Nick Hardisty, Director at CCS Recruitment said, “We are staunch advocates of the AWR regulations and have been working within the guidelines since their inception in October 2011. Whilst we have encountered much reluctance and, in some cases, even the threat of losing accounts, we have persevered. CCS Recruitment have taken the regulations seriously and will continue to diligently adhere to them in whatever guise they take. We will however try to accommodate clients as best we can in order to reduce their burden but can only do so much. Clients need to be educated and need to appreciate that this is not a regulation that simply effects recruiters or that they can pass on the responsibility. We are in it together and need to work together. On a positive it should actually strengthen the relationships and bond between client, candidate and recruiter. I hope in time clients will see that the recruiters asking for the information are the professional service providers. They are trying to protect all parties involved and will not risk this position simply to give, or appear to give, clients an easy life or the false belief that they can protect the client from the regulations”
A full guideline for clients is available at: http://www.ccsrecruitment.co.uk/client-awr-compliance.php
For candidates at: http://www.ccsrecruitment.co.uk/candidate-services.php
If you have any queries in relation to the above REC article, our statement or the regulations in general please call our AWR compliance officer, Lauren Tarr, on 0161 488 2889.
