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TUC backs call to end 'unfair' Swedish Derogation rule for agency workers

By agency reporter
November 20, 2017

The House of Commons Work and Pensions and  Select Committee and the Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Committee have recommended the end of the Swedish Derogation, a rule that means agency workers lose the right to equal pay. This echoes a call made in Matthew Taylor’s report into insecure work.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Secretary, Frances O’Grady, said: “The Swedish Derogation creates an unequal workforce, denying agency workers the going rate for the job.

“Trade unions want it scrapped. As does the government-commissioned Taylor Review. And now two cross-party committees agree. It’s time for the government to act, and ditch this unfair loophole.”

Commenting on the committees’ call for a clearer definition of employment status, she said: “Employment status is complex, and can deprive people of their rights at work. So the committees are right to call for reform and wide consultation. The time has come for a Royal Commission, including trade unions and employers.”

* Read the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices here

TUC https://www.tuc.org.uk/

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