§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to improve the employment rights of(a) agency and (b) part-time employees. [132284]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonSince the Government came to office, new employment rights such as the National Minimum Wage and those under the Working Time Regulations to entitlements such as paid annual leave, have improved the position of part-time employees and agency temps.
419WWe are currently seeking to improve and clarify the existing regulations governing the conduct of employment agencies. We are placing greater emphasis on the clarity of terms issued and on ensuring workers are paid in full and on time. These proposals form part of a package of measures to ensure appropriate minimum standards for the recruitment industry, which we intend to finalise shortly.
The Part-time Workers Regulations came into force on 1 July and ensure that part-time workers are not treated less favourably in their contractual terms and conditions than comparable full-timers, unless different treatment is justified on objective grounds. The regulations cover all terms and conditions including pay, pensions, holidays and training.