Agency workers to reveal stories

Agency workers used to fill job vacancies on a long-term basis but without the benefits of permanent employment will tell their stories today.

Organised by trade union Siptu, the workers will discuss their experiences on condition of anonymity during a special press briefing in Liberty Hall, Dublin.

A public meeting on the issue will also be held tonight at the same venue, which politicians have been invited to attend.

Siptu is lobbying for legislation to prevent such workers being denied their working rights.

A Siptu spokeswoman said: “A growing number of agency workers are being used to fill job vacancies on a long-term basis – thus denying them the benefits of permanent employment.

“The absence of legislation to prevent abuse is not only detrimental to agency workers but also harms other directly employed workers because it facilitates the undermining of standards.”

In one year – between 2002 and 2003 – there has been an increase of 68% in temporary agency work placements, according to the trade union.

Siptu is calling for the introduction of legislation which would ensure that employment agencies are not used to circumvent the existing equality provisions of employment law.

“Where agency work must be used it should be confined to a period of no longer than one month with an option for an agency employee to be directly employed by the company after that period,” the spokeswoman added.

The press briefing will begin at 2.30pm and will be followed by the public meeting at 6pm.