EU temporary worker deal will deeply disappoint business community

Commenting on the deal struck by European employment ministers in Luxembourg last night, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“This deal will deeply disappoint the business community. Safeguarding the UK’s opt-out on the working time directive will be a welcome relief, but it has come at the expense of vital flexibilities on temporary work. In tougher economic conditions companies are looking for more, not less flexibility. The likely consequence of these changes is not greater protection for vulnerable workers, but less job opportunities for them.

“The directive's text sets an alarming precedent for temporary work across the EU. Under the terms agreed, temps will be entitled to equal treatment from day one of an assignment. Although the UK government will be pleased that other member states have allowed them to use their twelve week negotiated deal, British business is now in a very vulnerable position. The door remains wide open to a further erosion of flexibility for UK business."

Ends

Media Contacts:

Fiona Cunningham
Tel: 020 7654 5812
Email: f.cunningham@britishchambers.org.uk

OR

Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the National Voice of Local Business.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.