Extra workers rights 'delayed until 2011'

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated: 05:14 EST, 15 October 2009

Union leaders have reacted angrily after the Government signalled it would to delay bringing in new rights for workers.

Lord Mandelson has pushed back the introduction of new workers' rights and regulations, which were expected to cost businesses £3.5 billion a year.

Under a so-called Forward Regulatory Programme is included the Agency Workers Directive, which unions have been pressing the Government to implement immediately.

The Business secretary was today expected to say that 26 proposed regulations in that were being delayed, or brought in at the latest date, to stop them hitting Britain's economic recovery.

They include the EU directive giving temporary workers full employment rights after 12 weeks in a workplace, including on pay and holidays. This will be delayed until October 2011.

Government sources maintained that a specific date for implementing the directive had never been given, other than before the end of Parliament, and stressed ministers were planning to give agency workers new rights on pay and holidays which they have not had before.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: 'This is extremely disappointing. Agency workers are even more in need of protection during a recession. Vulnerable workers are always the first to suffer when times are hard.'

But David Frost, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said it was a 'step in the right direction'.

The Tories also backed the delay.