Agency temps working in the UK are among the least protected in Europe, according to a new report from the TUC.

Britain is one of just three of 20 EU countries (along with Ireland and Hungary) that denies temps the right to the same pay as permanent staff doing the same job.

Agency workers in the hospitality and distribution sectors make up about 5% of the UK’s estimated 600,000 temporary workers (although numbers are falling). 

And the UK has some of the slackest legislation, which fails to protect temporary workers from cowboy recruitment agencies. 

“At the moment, one of the growing number of temps in Poland or Spain is treated far better than a temp in the UK,” said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber. 

Most receive no sick pay, work pension, protection from unfair dismissal, or vocational training, said the union. Many are barred from applying for permanent posts thanks to hefty disincentive fees charged by agencies.  

A directive governing temporary employment has stalled in Brussels over arguments about whether equal pay and improved rights should kick in straight away or after six or 12 months. 

In the meantime, the TUC is urging the Government to reintroduce a licensing scheme for agencies.

“This is one measure they can take to ensure the good agencies thrive and do not face unfair competition from the cowboys who undercut them,” said Chidi King, employment rights officer at the TUC.

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