Employers plan to recruit more graduates

Almost a third of graduate recruiters are planning to recruit more graduates next year than in 2009, according to research from Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).

From October 2009, National Minimum Wage rates will increase from:

• £5.73 to £5.80 an hour for workers aged 22 and over
• £4.77 to £4.83 an hour for workers aged 18 to 21
• £3.53 to £3.57 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17

EU Agency Workers Directive (AWD) – Changes in the Temp Market

One of the main principles underpinning the Agency Workers Directive (AWD) is to give temporary agency workers equal treatment after 12 weeks on assignment. Over three million temporary agency workers currently work across the EU with the AWD allowing them to benefit from better protection of their working conditions.

The first stage of consultation has been completed allowing the government to gain views on areas of the directive including, for example; the definition of pay, how the principle for 'equal treatment' should be established, liability for compliance with obligations under the Directive, and dispute resolution. The Government has until October 2011 to implement the AWD.