Agency Workers Directive

Limited company directors will be excluded from the Agency Workers Directive under the lastest proposals from the Government.  However, those working through umbrella companies and all contractors who are not genuinely self-employed (i.e. if you fail the IR35 test) will still be covered.

Many freelancers have been concerned that the Directive would given them similar rights to employees in terms of hours, holidays, sick pay etc. making them less attractive to businesses.

The Directive only applies to workers who have been in a position for at least 12 weeks and is not effective until 1 October 2011.