Progress on improving employment conditions for agency workers was reviewed at Islington Town Hall on Monday. Cllr Russell said ” I’m glad to see that the council has been making strides in moving long term employees from temporary to permanent contracts. However it is very concerning that so many lower paid staff are still suffering precarious agency employment conditions and its alarming that black and ethnic minority (BME) workers are disproportionately represented in this group.”
“The workers on agency contracts are likely to be first in line to lose their jobs when the new government’s budget cuts hit as there will be no redundancy pay outs to temporary staff.”
“By contrast some higher paid staff, in hard to fill posts, have the opportunity to “manage their tax affairs efficiently” by providing consultancy services rather than being paid under PAYE. Apparently this is widespread across London, leading to a race to the bottom in terms of employment practice amongst councils eager to recruit staff and maintain essential services to residents.”
“Surely councils can coordinate employment practice across our city so councils can be sure that higher paid professional staff are paying their fair share of tax under PAYE. I urge Islington Council to lead the way and call on colleagues across the capital to do the right thing and bin the consultancy contracts.”
