The changing world of the temporary worker: the potential HR impact of legislation

Abstract

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The emergence of an ‘ethnic economy’? The spatial relationships of migrant workers in London's health and hospitality sectors

“…For instance, the UK Labour Force Survey found that agency workers comprised about 16 per cent of all temporary workers, accounting for 1 per cent of the total UK labour force (Forde and Slater 2005). Yet, the Department of Trade and Industry's estimate is closer to 600,000 and others have suggested that the figure is as high as one million (Forde 2001;Biggs, Burchell and Millmore 2006).…”

“…There has been a rapid growth in the service sector in the UK that has resulted in the creation of low-paid, parttime, non-unionized work (Castells 2000;McDowell 2003). Simultaneously, there has been a significant increase in the utilization of employment and recruitment agencies in the service sector over the last two decades (Biggs, Burchell and Millmore 2006). For instance, the UK Labour Force Survey found that agency workers comprised about 16 per cent of all temporary workers, accounting for 1 per cent of the total UK labour force (Forde and Slater 2005).…”

The Decline of the Temporary Worker: A Regional Perspective

“…Indeed, in examining key economic and social indicators, research has shown that the use of temporary workers David Biggs has declined both in the US (Morris & Vekker, 2001) and in the UK (Biggs et al, 2006). In the UK, legislation from the European Parliament has been adopted giving temporary workers greater employment protection.…”

An Institutional Perspective on the Employment Position of Temporary Workers in the Netherlands

“…Legislation could hinder the legitimate functions of the secondary labour market. As temporary workers gain better employment rights, they are likely to become less attractive to employers (Biggs, Burchell and Millmore, 2006). The decline in temporary employment after the implementation of the Flexibility and Security Act in the Netherlands is one example of this effect.…”