News

Concerns at the particular vulnerability of agency workers in the current downturn, and the disproportionate number of younger workers affected, led to unanimous CWU conference backing for a renewed campaign for protections to be enacted in UK law as soon as possible.



Despite the successful passage of the EU's Agency Workers Directive, fears are mounting that the Government and employer associations may be using the current economic downturn as an excuse to water down the directive's impact in the UK.

Proposing the Youth Conference motion to CWU General Conference, Ralph Ferrett of Plymouth and East Cornwall branch dismissed employment agency protestations that agency workers somehow relish 'flexibility' - especially with regards to unequal pay and conditions.



Supporting the motion, CWU assistant secretary Simon Sapper told delegates: "You only have to look at what has happened to agency workers in a recession to see why the Directive is so important. "Those who oppose our campaign say that agency staff want flexibility…but we know that the harsh truth is that flexibility is a myth, and insecurity is the reality." Simon cautioned against complacency stemming from the Government's agreement to incorporate the terms of the EU Agency Workers Directive into UK law, pointing out that the battle is anything but over. Referring to the current Government consultation on the issue, Simon said: "Just like the zombies in 'Sean of the Dead' the bad guys refuse to give up the ghost and lie down and die. They are working to lobby, spin, connive and dilute the implementation of this directive. "They want to turn loopholes into yawning gaps for unfairness and inequality. Their agenda is clear…and so is the danger. "We can't and mustn't falter now."