EU Temp Worker Legislation Delayed until December 2004

The European Agency Workers Directive, intended to grant more employment rights to temporary workers is now unlikely to be passed until December 2004 at the earliest.

The delay is because the Italian presidency, which began in July, does not place the directive high on its list of priorities. The directive was due to be considered by the Council of Ministers this month but has now been put back to December of this year.

Ireland is due to take over the presidency in January 2004, which will cause more delays. They are opposed to the legislation and will also place the directive low on their list.

If passed in its current form, the new directive would give equal employment rights to temporary workers from the first day that their employment commences, and would allow them equal salary after a six-week qualification period.

The UK, like Ireland, is opposed to the legislation. Research from Personnel Today reveals that the majority of employers think the legislation would only increase costs and red tape. Employers would rather have temps qualify for equal rights only after at least six months of employment.
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