Working through an agency can be a convenient route into work for many people, but some agency workers are exploited by their unscrupulous agencies. This week the Government agreed a deal between employers and unions that will see all agency workers in the UK receive equal treatment after 12 weeks employment.

The agreement reached will give increased protection to agency workers and guard against unfair wage undercutting. By working with employers the Government have made sure that jobs have not been put at risk, and this valuable route into employment has not been cut off.

Andrew Gwynne MP said:

“I am delighted by this deal that will help hard working families throughout Tameside and Stockport. This announcement builds on Labour's existing help for families including 9 months paid maternity leave for new mums; a right to paternity leave for all dads; Surestart and free childcare for three and four year olds; the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit and the National Minimum Wage.”

The Government has also now announced that it will extend the right to request flexible working to parents of children up to age 16 - benefiting an extra 4.5 million parents.