Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) have led to a growth in permanent jobs
A survey (conducted by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation) of 400 recruitment consultants, has revealed that in the last three months, permanent employment has risen substantially.
However, the number of temporary workers gaining work over this period has dropped to its lowest level in two and a half years. According to the survey, this new trend is a result of the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) providing greater benefits to temporary staff and employer uncertainty over such regulations.
The fact that business confidence has also risen during this time prompting employers to hire more permanent staff is also a factor in explaining these results. The AWR was established to implement the European Union Agency Workers Directive, ruling that temporary staff should receive the same treatment as permanent employees, such as paid holidays, parking and canteen access rights.
The regulations came into force on 1 October 2011.
