Introduction
Are you an agency worker and unsure about your rights? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the protections you have at work and how they evolve over time. From minimum wage to holiday entitlements, knowing your rights is essential for a fair working experience. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you navigate any legal issues you may face. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you’re working as an agency worker, it’s important to know that you have specific rights that protect you at your job. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what those rights are and how they change based on how long you’ve been in your position.
What Are Your Basic Rights?
As soon as you start working for an agency, you have the right to:
- Receive at least the national minimum wage: Make sure you know what your pay should be.
- Take paid holidays: Understand how much holiday time you’re entitled to.
- Work a limited number of hours: Familiarize yourself with the rules regarding working hours.
- Work in a safe environment: Your workplace should be safe and healthy.
- Be informed about job openings: You should be notified of job vacancies unless they’re only for staff at risk of redundancy.
Important Documents You Should Receive
If you joined your agency on or after April 6, 2020, they are required to provide:
- A written statement detailing your job, working hours, and holiday or sick pay.
- A ‘key information document’ that explains how your pay is calculated.
This key information should be provided before you begin your work, and you should receive updates if anything changes. If you joined before April 6, 2020, you should have received a written contract outlining your rights and responsibilities.
If your agency isn’t providing this information, you can file a complaint against them.
Know Your Rights Against Discrimination
You have the right to work without facing discrimination based on your sex, race, disability, or part-time work status. You should also have access to the same facilities as regular employees, such as kitchens or break rooms.
If you report any wrongdoing at your workplace (known as ‘whistleblowing’), you shouldn’t be treated unfairly. You can learn more about whistleblowing here.
What to Do If You Face Issues
If you find yourself in a grievance or disciplinary hearing, you have the right to bring a colleague or a trade union representative with you. If your rights are violated, you can take your case to an employment tribunal.
After 12 Weeks in the Same Job
Once you’ve been in the same job for 12 weeks, your rights expand significantly. You will be entitled to the same pay and conditions as employees who are directly hired by the organization where you work. This includes:
- Basic pay: This covers overtime, shift allowances, and bonuses.
- Working breaks: You should receive the same break times as regular employees.
- Paid annual leave: This should match what other employees receive.
Example Scenario
For instance, if your agency provides you with 28 days of holiday per year, but after 12 weeks at a job, the organization offers 30 days, you are entitled to the 30 days after that period.
If you’re unsure about your rights after 12 weeks, it’s a good idea to try Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.
If Your Agency Guarantees Work
If your agency guarantees you work or pays you between jobs, you are considered an employee of that agency. This status gives you additional rights, including protection against unfair dismissal and the right to request unpaid time off for emergencies.
After Two Years with the Same Agency
Once you’ve been employed by the same agency for two years, you gain further rights, such as protection from unfair dismissal and the right to receive a written explanation for any termination of your employment.
Conclusion
Understanding your rights as an agency worker is crucial for protecting yourself in the workplace. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to try Contend’s legal expert chat. Your rights matter, and being informed is the first step in ensuring they are respected.
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