FAQs

The Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) entitle agency workers to certain rights that aim to bring their working conditions closer in line with that of permanent staff in comparable roles. Some of these rights are applicable from day one, such as the right to access the same facilities (like the staff canteen). Others kick in after you’ve been in the same role with the same hirer for 12 weeks, for example the right to equal pay and breaks.

The 12 weeks do not always need to be consecutive. You can take breaks in between for certain reasons, like if you’re sick or on annual leave. And if your break is related to becoming a parent, for example you take paternity leave or time off due to pregnancy, the weeks you’re off work count towards the 12 week period. You can learn more about how the AWR ‘qualifying clock’ works elsewhere in our support centre.

If you don’t think you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to under AWR, or if you have any questions, please contact us straight away. We’ll work with your recruitment agency and workplace to look into your circumstances and ensure you get what you’re entitled to.

When you contact us, it would be helpful if you could confirm the following:

• Location where you’ve been working
• Job title
• Start date of the assignment
• Dates of any weeks you haven’t worked since the assignment began and the reasons why
• Details of any other work you’ve done since the assignment began (including dates, location and nature of work)