Advice agencies within ASC have seen a rise in the number of issues relating to employment agencies denying workers their rights. A range of problems have been reported including failure to pay for work completed, failure to pay holiday pay, insufficient notice of termination of employment and discrimination.

Workers need to be aware of their statutory rights which include:

- Agencies cannot take money from workers to find them work.

- Agencies cannot take money for uniforms or equipment unless already agreed beforehand.

- Workers must be told in writing how much they are going to be paid and their terms and conditions.

If you feel that any of your rights have been breached then please seek independent advice from ASC members.

More information is also available at www.bis.gov.uk which has a guide to Agency Workers' Rights or by calling the Pay and Work helpline on 0800 917 2368.