EMPLOYERS FEAR NEGATIVE IMPACT FROM AGENCY WORKERS DIRECTIVE

Seven out of 10 employers believe that their businesses will be damaged if the draft EU Agency Workers Directive is implemented.

A major survey of almost 1,000 organisations commissioned by Personnel Today magazine and Manpower reveals that 71 per cent are concerned the directive would have a negative impact on their company.

The survey results coincide with a key discussion being held in Europe today that will help shape the final content of the draft directive. This seeks to give temporary workers the right to the same pay and conditions as permanent employees after just six weeks of employment.

Head of Public affairs for Manpower, Ruth Hounslow said the survey highlights employers' serious concerns about the directive, which could be adopted by the EU as early as this time next year.

"As drafted this directive will have a significant negative impact on the UK. Employers will be deterred from using a flexible workforce because it will no longer be nearly as convenient to take on agency workers," she said.

Almost half the employers predict the directive would damage the competitiveness of the UK's economy by deterring multinationals from locating in the UK. The research also found that 68% of companies would use fewer temporary staff if the directive came in - but only 14% would employ more permanent staff. A further 79% of companies believe the directive would increase staffing costs [making them less competitive].

Jane King, editorial director of Personnel Today, said:
"The Agency Workers Directive, as it is currently drafted, would damage the overwhelming majority of British businesses - increasing both red tape and staffing costs.

"Temps would also suffer. Rather than protect their rights, it will put their jobs at risk. Business and the Government must lobby hard to ensure it is changed."

For further information, please contact the Manpower Press Office on 020 8870 2214. Or you can e-mail us by selecting Press Office from the Contact Us page.