Overview

Hopes that the new Government would change, or even scrap, the controversial Agency Workers Regulations 2010 were dashed this month when it was confirmed they would come into force unchanged from October 2011.

A Government spokesman conceded that it was too difficult to unpick the agreement with trade unions which led to the new law.

Business groups had been pinning their hopes on the fact that the Coalition Government had agreed to review the regulations following widespread criticism of their contents. With those hopes now dashed, this speed briefing from UK law firm Shoosmiths covers the essentials.