Contractors to get sick pay, holiday pay etc

[TheBigYinJames]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10...ractor_rights/

The European Parliament has passed a proposal to give temporary staff and contractors the same employment rights as permanent staff.

The Temporary Agency Workers directive gives temps the same rights as permies from day one - although UK workers might have to wait 12 weeks to get the same rights.

The directive will enforce equal treatment for both types of workers in terms of pay, holidays, working time, rest periods and maternity leave. Staff must have equal access to collective facilities like canteens and creches and better training for agency staff when working and in between assignments.

The directive must still be passed into UK law.

[NotAllThere]

How does it apply to employees of consultancy partners?

[TheBigYinJames]

How does it apply to employees of consultancy partners?

I assume since they are employees, they are already covered by existing employment law.

[Sockpuppet]

We've had to look at this at client co (one of my jobs).

The basic advice is for agency temps to keep them on training wages for 2 years then bin them.

As long as they are on a "training wage" then you can be paid differently etc.

[SueEllen]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10...ractor_rights/

The European Parliament has passed a proposal to give temporary staff and contractors the same employment rights as permanent staff.

The Temporary Agency Workers directive gives temps the same rights as permies from day one - although UK workers might have to wait 12 weeks to get the same rights.

The directive will enforce equal treatment for both types of workers in terms of pay, holidays, working time, rest periods and maternity leave. Staff must have equal access to collective facilities like canteens and creches and better training for agency staff when working and in between assignments.

The directive must still be passed into UK law.

Unfortunately it doesn't matter if the UK doesn't pass this into law. Why? Because some ****er with a barrister will sue the UK government in Europe for not putting it in law and it will set a precedent.

[Bright Spark]

not good for creating a flexible employment market. probably increases costs
further for UK business, therefore making outsourcing / offshoring more appealing option.

[NickFitz]

Temporary Agency Workers are not contractors. For example, their PAYE and NICs are handled by the agency, they have a contract of employment with the agency, etc.

[NotAllThere]

I assume since they are employees, they are already covered by existing employment law.

So doesn't affect us, as employees of our own companies.

[TheBigYinJames]

So doesn't affect us, as employees of our own companies.

And do you pay yourself sick pay, holiday pay, redundancy? You may soon be forced to.

[BigTime]

And do you pay yourself sick pay, holiday pay, redundancy? You may soon be forced to.

Of course. Much easier to pay an equal amount each month regardless of hols/sick. Once you've been benched for a while ceasing trading and taking redundancy is a valid option.