Changes to employment law could be set to cause issues for small businesses. Under amendments to the regulations, agency workers now get the same rights as permanent staff in relation to their pay and benefits, reports the Northern Echo.

Katja Hall, Confederation of British Industry Chief Policy Director, described the change to employment law as "counter-productive". Pauline Osborne, Federation of Small Businesses North-east Regional Chairman, claimed the burden of red tape on the shoulders of companies is being added to. "It is important that businesses start to look at the personnel information they hold as they will be required to provide a range of evidence and information," she said.

As a result of the amendments to employment law, firms will have to give the same benefits and salary to agency staff after they have been with the organisation for 12 weeks. Dianah Worman, diversity adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, recently warned companies they could face action from older workers who do not feel they are being treated correctly.

Ross Strowger, a partner in the employment team at Ashton KCJ says: ”It is now more important than ever to ensure that both agencies and hirers get their commercial terms and processes in order to protect themselves as far as possible from these potential new sources of complaint”.

If you need individual advice, please contact a member of the Ashton KCJ employment team.