Feeling unsure about your rights as an agency worker?
You’re not alone – many people working in supply roles aren’t always sure what they’re entitled to. That’s where Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) come in. These important rules are designed to make sure temporary workers are treated fairly, with access to the same basic working conditions and pay as permanent staff after a qualifying period. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand what AWR means, how it applies to you, and what we do at System People to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Day 1 Rights
From your first day in a placement, you have the right to:
- Access shared facilities (like the canteen or car park)
- Be included in internal vacancy communications and apply for roles
After 12 Weeks in the Same Role
Once you’ve worked 12 consecutive weeks in the same role with the same employer, your rights expand to include:
- Equal pay
- Equal holiday entitlement
- The same working conditions as permanent staff (e.g. breaks and working hours)
Even if you’re part-time, the weeks still count — as long as they’re within a 12-week rolling period. Gaps of 6 weeks or more will reset the clock, but school holidays and closures simply pause it.
How do I get my AWR rights?
You don’t need to do anything! At System People, we guarantee that your AWR rights will be automatically applied once you reach the 12-week qualifying period – no need to chase or ask.
We’ll review your pay and holiday entitlement to make sure you’re receiving the correct rate, comparable to what you’d earn if employed directly by the school.