Bills boost labour inspectors' powers, agency worker rights

Increased powers for labour inspectors and enhanced rights for agency workers will be among the elements of employment rights legislation to be published this month. Martin Wall , Industry Correspondent, reports.

Progress on implementing the legislation is seen as key to securing trade union support for a new national pay deal, due to be negotiated in April.

The legislation would give labour inspectors power to prosecute employers who refuse to comply with employment rights, without having to refer the matter to the Garda.

It is understood it will extend the scope of registered employment agreements, which set down minimum terms and conditions in some sectors of the economy, to include workers who are recruited through employment agencies.

Siptu president Jack O'Connor has set progress on this legislation, which was provided for in the current national agreement, as a pre-condition for entry to new pay talks.

Speaking before a plenary meeting of the social partners in Dublin Castle yesterday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said two employment rights Bills would be published later this month.

It is understood that one, the Employment Law Compliance Bill, will place the new National Employment Rights Authority on a statutory footing.

Informed sources said that the Bill would allow labour inspectors to prosecute employers who refuse to comply with legislation on workers' rights.

A separate Bill will be published to regulate employment agencies.

It will also be unlawful for any employee, including agency workers, to be paid less than the minimum terms set out in registered employment agreements where they apply.

Such agreements, which are registered with the Labour Court, operate in several sectors including the construction industry.

Under the second Bill employment agencies will need a licence and will have to follow a new code of practice.

At the meeting Mr Ahern triggered the start of a new national pay round when he formally invited the social partners to participate in a review of the existing Towards 2016 deal.

He said he hoped the announcement of the imminent publication of the two Bills would reassure unions although he accepted that there could be issues about the strength of the proposed measures.

© 2008 The Irish Times

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