Chambers Ireland: Agency Workers Directive will damage economy

Chambers Ireland has today called on unions to re-enter talks regarding the upcoming implementation of the Agency Workers Directive.

Jobs Minister Richard Burton had attempted to delay the introduction of the EU Directive, which is set to come into effect next week, which would entitle agency workers to better pay and terms of employment.

The deal fell apart yesterday when unions and employers failed to agree.

Chambers Ireland has claimed however that it will "take cost out of economy rather than drive costs up".

Speaking this morning, John Forde, Chambers Ireland HR policy council chair said: "We clearly need responsible management of the economy and everyone must play their part.

"The principle of equal treatment for all workers must be accompanied by a qualifying period to ease pressure on businesses and enable flexibility, particularly for those companies seeking to hire agency workers on a short-term basis.

"If we do not have flexibility, then companies will simply not hire staff.

"Unions need to be mindful of our collective need to facilitate work and employment in the economy, their current negotiating position on agency workers will lead to destruction of jobs and opportunities."