Plans to boost the rights of agency workers could see local government's tight budgets facing a further squeeze. Under the plans, temporary workers will be allowed the same pay and holiday as employees after 12 weeks in the post. Local government is heavily reliant on temporary workers, both in low-paid posts, such as care workers, and also in more professional posts, including social workers and planners. The problems of attracting and keeping staff is particularly rife in London boroughs. Vice president (elect) of the HR heads association PPMA, Dean Shoesmith, told The MJ: ‘If the Government agrees to give parity of employment conditions to agency workers after 12 weeks of employment, I believe this will lead to a cost-shunting exercise. The agencies will pass on higher costs to local authorities.' He added: ‘This, in turn, will put more pressure on councils which are already strapped for cash.'
