Parity at Eddie Stobart

Pay parity for agency staff in year three of their service is part of this year’s 4% deal for staff at haulier Eddie Stobart’s Coalville warehouse. The agreement, negotiated by Unite, also includes a revised absence incentive scheme paying up to £600 a year.

Day and afternoon shift operators are now paid £10.36 an hour, but there is a lower rate that applies to new starters and agency workers, starting with a probationary pay level of £7.29. After the first three months the year 1 rate is £9.11 rising to £9.74 in year 2 and £10.36 in year 3. Higher pay rates apply on the night shift and at weekends.

Under the Agency Worker Regulations 2010, which came into effect last October, agency workers have a right to equal treatment on pay after 12 weeks in the same role. However, as TUC guidance points out, a hirer or agency can defend a claim for unequal treatment if they can identify a comparable employee on the same pay and conditions as the agency worker.

www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-20147-f0.cfm