What is AWR?

Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) exist to protect agency workers and ensure they receive equal treatment to those in full-time employment. 

In this blog, we provide a quick-read overview of the Agency Worker Regulations and everything you need to know as a contractor. 

What are your rights as a worker? 

• Entitlement to Minimum Wage
• Equal access to company facilities (e.g. car park, coffee machine, childcare services etc). 
• Protection against discrimination 
• Right to challenge unfair dismissal 

Who is protected by AWR? 

• Agency workers: Individuals who are employed by a temporary work agency and are supplied to work for the end client. They may be on fixed-term contracts, have temporary employment status and/or work under an umbrella provider.

• Temporary work agency: The regulations apply to the agencies that provide agency workers to end clients. These agencies are responsible for ensuring that the workers receive the rights and protections outlined in the AWR.

• End client: The regulations also have implications for the end client, which is the organisation or company where the agency worker is placed to work temporarily. End clients are required to treat agency workers equally to their directly employed staff in terms of certain employment conditions.

Other FAQs: 

What is the qualifying period? 

The AWR provides certain employment rights for agency workers after a qualifying period of 12 weeks in the same job role with the same hirer. During this period, you may be entitled to equal treatment in terms of pay and working conditions compared to directly employed staff.

What is the role of the umbrella provider in all this? 

The umbrella company you work through is responsible for ensuring your rights under AWR are upheld. They should communicate with the hirer and make sure you receive equal treatment once you’ve passed the qualifying period.

We hope you found this post helpful – check out our blog for further insight into the world of umbrella contracting.

If you’re looking for a reliable and compliant umbrella to look after your finances, then give us a call on 0203 967 6846.