MEP welcomes deal to give workers equal rights

1:01pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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A EURO MP at the heart of a drive for equal rights and treatment for North West workers is celebrating a deal which will not only secure those rights but will also provide a massive boost to the region.

Radcliffe-based Labour MEP Gary Titley said: “For too long temporary and agency workers have lost out to full-time, part-time and contracted colleagues when it comes to pay, working conditions and a whole range of benefits. This agreement will put an end to that.”

Mr Titley said the deal between the Government, the CBI and the TUC will pave the way for a european directive.

He added: “Two thirds of the region’s employees work alongside agency staff. Agency work in the hospitality industry is also widespread and is very important to the North West with our £3 billion-a-year tourism industry. Agency work is also an increasing feature in the bedrock of our economy, manufacturing.”

He added: “People will no longer have to become trapped in a career which is not only low paid but provides little or no training to take them to the next level. They will now be fairly treated, fairly paid and with a real chance to advance their career.”