AN agency worker has won a bumper pay-out - after an investigation by government watchdogs.

The security guard complained to the Employment Agency Standards (EAS) that he had not been paid for all the hours he worked.

He claimed he was owed money and that he had never been given any terms, conditions or assignment details before he started the temporary job.

EAS Inspectors visited the company to carry out an inspection of their records, interviewed the manager and identified breaches of the regulations which apply to Employment Agencies.

The company was instructed to change their working practices and two days after the visit the company arranged payment of the outstanding money to the security guard.

The case study is one of a number highlighted as poart of a new awareness raising campaign which  the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has launched to inform workers of their rights on pay, deductions and working hours. 

The campaign has been developed in cooperation with employers, trade unions and the different enforcement agencies across Government.

As part of this campaign, a special Pay and Work Rights Helpline 0800 917 2368 (textphone 0800 121 4042) has been set up which workers and employers can call in confidence for information and advice on employment agencies and other employment matters.

A new poll shows that nearly half of people wrongly think that employment agencies can charge workers a fee for finding them a job.  

Posters and leaflets promoting the campaign are available at www.bis.gov.uk

The Pay and Work Rights helpline 0800 917 2368 (textphone 0800 121 4042) provides practical help and advice for workers and employers, in confidence, on:

· National Minimum Wage

· Agricultural Minimum Wage

· Working Hour Limits

· Working for an agency

· Working for gangmasters

The Helpline is open between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Further information is also available at www.direct.gov.uk/payandworkrights for workers and at www.businesslink.gov.uk/payandworkrights for employers.

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