Leading Shropshire solicitor explains new employment laws

May 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Telford, Shropshire, UK: “The much-anticipated Agency Workers Regulations 2010 will come into force in October, but it’s vital that employers prepare now and understand the finer details,” says John Mehtam, employment law specialist at Martin Kaye Solicitors in Shropshire. Mr Mehtam joined Martin Kaye in 2005 and became a partner in 2009. He heads the employment law team at the Telford based law firm, which is one of the fastest growing legal companies in the West Midlands.

His key message is that new rules on agency workers are not designed to give them special treatment, just to level the playing field. Talking about the new legislation, he said that the new laws, which were originally published in January 2010 but will only take effect from October 1st 2011, mean that any agency workers taken on by Shropshire companies would be entitled to access all the facilities in the workplace such as the canteen, car parking, and crèche from their very first day.

“They will also be entitled to information on any vacancies in your company from that first shift. But they will need to complete 12 weeks’ service before they qualify for equal treatment such as basic employment rights and conditions”.

“These rules are not designed to give agency workers special treatment – if there’s a waiting list for car parking, they can join it, but not jump the queue, so they don’t take priority over your existing staff.

“And they’ll only qualify for the right to equal treatment if they stay in the same role with your company for the entire 12-week period.”

John said official guidance had been issued by the Government to explain to employers how to identify basic rights and conditions, including pay, working time and holiday entitlement, and pregnant workers.

The new laws are coming into effect because temporary agency staff have previously been employed by companies for long periods of time but have not been entitled to the same benefits as their colleagues who were not employed through an employment agency. This has effectively created two levels of employee within a company. The new legislation therefore merely aims to ensure that all workers are treated fairly, without one type of work receiving preferential treatment to another.

“The guidance still needs parliamentary approval, but this is unlikely to be a problem, so it’s vital that employers get to grips with the new rules now – before they take effect.”

To find out more details about what advice and help Martin Kaye solicitors can offer, visit their website: http://www.martinkaye.co.uk/

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About Martin Kaye LLP:

Martin-Kaye LLP is one of Shropshire's leading law firms and one of the West Midlands fastest growing legal practices.

Based in Telford, the firm boasts a number of specialist departments with a particular focus on commercial and business law.

It can meet all of your legal requirements, be it an immediate need or part of your future planning. From personal dispute resolution, matrimonial and family matters through to property, personal injury, wills, trusts, probate and tax planning, Martin Kaye will work with you to produce the best results.

As one of the major regional commercial firms, Martin-Kaye LLP have supported businesses of all types and sizes for over 25 years. They provide excellent legal advice across the whole commercial/corporate spectrum, all under one roof. So if you need practical support and assistance delivered in a clear and focussed manner they can call upon the input from as many of their specialist lawyers as you require.