Written question asked by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 April 2010. It was answered by Pat McFadden (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 April 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Employment Agencies: EU Law

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance his Department plans to provide on (a) the steps an agency must undertake to establish the parameters for equal treatment from an end-user of agency workers under the Agency Worker Regulations 2010, (b) the extent to which measures undertaken by an agency to ascertain the information needed to provide equal treatment will be considered reasonable steps under section 14(3)(a) of the Regulations and (c) safeguards for agencies from unreasonable liability where an end-user of agency workers does not accurately provide the information required to determine equal treatment under the Regulations or attempts to indemnify against such liability.

Answer: The Government fully understand the importance of providing clear, comprehensive guidance on the agency workers regulations prior to their entry into force. This will be drawn up in consultation with stakeholders and will address these and other issues.

Secondary information