London, UK: A shock new survey suggests that a third of employers will start sacking temporary staff so they don’t have to pay them the same as permanent workers under EU law. Under the new EU Agency Worker directive, after 12 weeks employees are entitled to the same rights and pay as permanent staff. The new rules came into force in October.
The research suggests many short-term employees will have their employment terminated before completing the 12-week trial periods.
The survey of 42 recruitment agencies by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (Apsco) revealed that 29% intended to terminate short-term contracts before the trial period was up.
Ann Swain, chief executive of Apsco, said “tens of thousands” of workers would be affected.
