Agency workers: overview of rights
An overview of the legal framework governing agency workers in the UK, addressing the use of temporary staff for needs such as peak demand or staff absence cover. The note outlines the structure of agency working arrangements, including the traditional tripartite relationship between the worker, the temporary work agency, and the end-user hirer, as well as models involving personal service companies and umbrella companies. It also considers determining an agency worker's employment status and how this dictates their access to statutory rights. The note outlines various protections, detailing entitlements under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (AWR 2010), such as day-one and week 12 rights. It also discusses key rights concerning pay, working time under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR 1998), discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, family-related leave, and whistleblowing.
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