Updated UK regulations governing the conduct of employment
agencies are expected to come into effect in the first half of
2003, it was announced yesterday. The new law aims to offer more
than 700,000 temporary workers greater protection from exploitation
and to help them move more easily from temporary work to permanent
employment.
A final consultation on an update of the current regulations,
which date from 1976, began yesterday. The new regulations are
expected to be laid before parliament in November. They will come
into effect six months after approval by parliament.
Employment Relations Minister Alan Johnson said: “We must ensure
that the regulations achieve the correct balance between the
interests of agencies, work-seekers and hirers.”
