What is AWR? Agency Workers Regulations Explained

Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) ensure that temporary agency workers are provided the same rights as permanent employees. It is important to know the conditions that give rights to agency workers. This way, you can ensure these rights are being met.

What is AWR?  

The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 started from EU Law. They were put into effect on 11th October 2011 and are still part of UK Law. They protect temporary agency workers and allow them to receive the same benefits, rights, and treatment as workers with permanent contracts.  

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Who qualifies for AWR?  

AWR applies to all temporary agency workers. These workers are supplied by a temporary work agency and work for a hirer. The regulations apply whether you work within the public, private or third sector, including charities and social enterprises.  

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You do not qualify for AWR if you are self-employed or work for your own company. People also working under a managed service contract or in an in-house temporary staffing bank cannot receive AWR.  

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Conditions for gaining AWR  

To gain full AWR rights, a temporary agency worker must work in the same role for the same hirer for at least 12 weeks. However, these weeks do not need to be consecutive. Following this period, you must be provided with equal pay, benefits, working time, annual leave, and protections for pregnant workers.  

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From your first day at work, you should have access to staff facilities. This includes parking, common areas, canteens, and job opportunities within the company.  

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If you are a temporary agency worker and think you are not getting your rights, talk to your hirer. If this proves unsuccessful, then seek advice from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

At ACS Staffing Solutions, we can help pair excellent temporary agency workers with top-notch hirers. Contact us to learn how we can help you.