Temporary Agency Work in an Enlarged European Union

By James Arrowsmith

The regulation of temporary work has been a contentious issue at European level for nearly a quarter of a century, since the Commission first proposed a directive in the area in 1982.

The transformation of product and labour markets since that time has only intensified debate on how best to balance employment generation and flexibility on the one hand, with employment protection and security on the other. Trade unions have concerns that temporary workers might suffer lower pay and benefits than permanent employees; that they could be exposed to greater health and safety risks; and that they enjoy fewer representation, training and development opportunities. Employers would contest this, and indeed refer to the appeal of temporary work to certain demographic groups in the labour market as well as the competitive advantages offered to employers.

This report, commissioned by the sectoral social dialogue committee on temporary agency work, is based on an EIRO comparative study of temporary agency work in the enlarged EU. The questionnaire survey gathered responses across 28 countries - the 25 EU Member States, as well as Norway and the acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania. The report explores a range of topics including the definition and extent of TAW, its regulation in the different countries, both by law and collective agreement, and the views of the social partners on developments in the sector. The findings have been supplemented by further data and detailed comments received from the social partners at both national and confederal levels (Eurociett and UNI-Europa), which were closely involved in the production of both the national and the overview reports from the very outset.

European Foundations for the Improvement in Living and Working Conditions, 2006