Understanding Your Rights as An Agency Worker
Temp work is expanding in the UK at an impressive rate. As of March 2025, there were 1.56 million temp workers, up from 1.45 million in March 2024 (Statista, 2025). But despite its rising popularity, more than half of temps employed by UK businesses are not 100% aware of all their rights as an Agency Worker (GOV.UK, 2021). That’s why we’ve written this blog, to break down all the things you should know.
Day in, day out, we speak to hundreds of people looking for work up and down the country. As more people choose to work with Thorn Baker, we believe it’s our responsibility to ensure every worker we place is informed, protected, and fully understands what they’re entitled to as an Agency Worker.
You deserve to know where you stand, so here are 10 key rights every temp should be aware of:
1. Being defined as a ‘Temp Worker’: Being defined as a ‘temp’ does not place you any lower than other permanent or direct staff. Temporary workers play a crucial role in keeping businesses running, often stepping in at short notice and adapting quickly. Your contribution is just as important, and you’re entitled to fairness, respect, and the same protections as everyone else.
2. It’s a legal right to have these 3 documents before starting work:
Key Information Document (KID): Given when you first sign up to an agency, this outlines your contract type, pay, and key entitlements
A signed contract between you and the agency (your employer).
Full assignment details including your start date, duration, type of work and where you’ll be based.
3. You’re protected from discrimination: Wherever you work and whatever the role, the Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment - whether it’s direct or indirect.
If you ever experience discrimination or feel uncomfortable at work, you can speak to your Thorn Baker Consultant in confidence - we're here to support you, especially if you're not comfortable raising it with the client directly.
4. You’re entitled to fair pay: Plain and simple - you must be paid at least the National Minimum or Living Wage, with no unlawful deductions. Payment should be on-time and through the agreed method, alongside regular payslips. If you’re unsure on whether you’re being paid correctly, our in-house payroll team will handle everything - including your timesheets - to ensure everything is above the line.
5. Get that holiday booked! When you start a new job, you have the right to paid holiday leave. You’ll accumulate a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year from your first day. To avoid delays, submit holiday requests to your agency in advance. Sometimes they’ll need to find cover whilst you’re away.
6. Breaks and rest are your legal right. If you work for more than 6 hours in a day, you’re entitled to a 20-minute uninterrupted break. You’re also entitled to 11 hours of rest in-between working days to allow for proper recovery.
7. If you're genuinely unwell, you have the right to take time off. When illness strikes, you shouldn’t feel pressured to work. If you’re too unwell to do your job safely or effectively, you may be entitled to paid sick leave or Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Your entitlement may differ from permanent staff, so it’s important to check your contract. And if you’re ever unsure, your Thorn Baker Consultant can help clarify.
8. You should have access to the same opportunities. While on assignment, you have the right to be informed of any relevant job opportunities that arise within the organisation. Being excluded without a fair reason could be considered discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010.
9. You have the right to a safe working environment. Your employer is legally required to carry out risk assessments, provide appropriate PPE where needed, and take reasonable steps to protect you from serious or imminent danger.
Your health and safety should never be compromised, you have the right to feel safe at work, every day.
10. When it’s time to move on: Sometimes the unexpected happens and if you need to leave your assignment earlier than planned, you have the right to ask your agency to handle this on your behalf if the role isn't the right fit for you, our consultants will support you in finding a new opportunity and ensuring a smooth transition for the client.
At Thorn Baker, we’re a people-driven recruitment partner, meaning we’ll always put your needs first. We’re committed to fairness, transparency, and keeping you fully informed every step of the way.
If you need a recruitment partner that truly understands what you need and will ensure you’re aware of all your rights, get in contact with your local Thorn Baker office today: www.thornbaker.co.uk/contact-us