On 1 October 2011, the most significant piece of legislation to hit the UK’s private recruitment industry will come into effect. Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) will affect everyone in the UK’s flexible workforce; protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation by giving them the same basic employment conditions as permanent employees, once they have completed 12 weeks’ service. The main benefits will be equal pay, working hours and holiday entitlement.
A recent survey by YouGov Stone for Allen & Overy found that the legislation will affect 54% of UK employers at a cost of £1.3bn. But whilst there may be cost implications for the employer, it is the recruitment agency that is responsible for ensuring compliance with the legislation.
We think this new legislation is a positive development in the industry and welcome protection for the contract staff we employ on behalf of our clients.
To read the legislation in full, please click here. Alternatively, if you have any questions about how this will affect you, either as a contractor, or as a business employing contractors, please contact us.
ArjoHuntleigh
ArjoHuntleigh offers a range of medical devices and equipment to improve the quality care of people with reduced mobility in hospitals and care facilities.
Working in an international marketplace, ArjoHuntleigh required candidates with specialist technical knowledge for a range of engineering positions.
“Austin Fraser found us good quality candidates, they were able to filter effectively and produce a good crop for us to select from. We would do business with them again, and overall found them to be a very good agency. As our relationship progressed they made improvements to the service they provided by listening carefully to our requirements and staying focused.”
Sopra Group
Sopra Group provides a complete range of IT consultancy, delivery and support services to help streamline businesses and improve their operational effectiveness.
Sopra Group wanted software engineers to develop high-quality IT solutions for the UK market.
“We decided to work with Austin Fraser for a number of reasons. We were very impressed by the quality of their database – they were able to demonstrate that the expertise of the candidates they have was a good match for our needs. We look for both permanent and contract staff with specialist skills that we can match to aerospace and manufacturing projects, and we often need new staff at very short notice.
We like Austin Fraser’s dynamism, and their proactive approach to recruitment. They also have a very open and honest culture – something that is very refreshing in the world of professional recruitment today. What Austin Fraser offers is a good fit with our business.”
Global Marine Systems Ltd
Global Marine Systems is the largest independent provider of subsea cable installation and maintenance for telecommunications, offshore energy and inter-connects.
Global Marine Systems required engineers specialising in renewable energy technologies for a range of on and off-shore vacancies.
"I applied for my current position through Austin Fraser and Will Godfrey was the person who dealt with my application. Will Godfrey was extremely helpful had all the information needed at hand and handled my application with the utmost efficiency and professionalism, I was always kept informed about the status of my application and once in the position I even received a follow up call to check I was settling in! Will Godfrey, and Austin Fraser are by far the best recruitment consultants I have dealt with and should the need arise would use them as my preferred consultants. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to anyone."
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Employment Start Date: ASAP
Location: City of London
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £30000 - £35000 per annum + Bonus
Magento, eCommerce, e-commerce, e commerce, Web Systems Manager, Systems Manager, IT Support, Infrastructure Support
Job Reference: GXS-5882_35953
Employment Start Date: ASAP
Location: Hampshire
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £52000 per annum + Bonus and benefits
java, j2ee, soa, developer, lead, webservices, SOAP
Job Reference: GXS-1432_35953
Employment Start Date: ASAP
Location: Berkshire
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £55000 per annum + Great Benefits
java, j2ee, spring, hibernate