Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, says, “Usdaw has spent many years campaigning for an end to the so called ‘Swedish Derogation’ loophole. We will maintain our pressure to ensure the Government deliver on their commitment to stop employers paying agency workers less than permanent staff.
 
“However, low paid workers continue to face many other injustices in the workplace which the Government’s ‘Good Work Plan’ fails to address. Usdaw has been leading calls to end the job insecurity faced by millions of low-paid workers. It is therefore disappointing to see the Government ignore not only our calls, but those of the independent Low Pay Commission, that workers should have a right to switch to a contract that reflects their normal hours.
 
“A proposed ‘right to request’ such a contract will not make a significant impact. As highlighted by the Low Pay Commission, workers will be less likely to utilise a ‘right to request’ due to fears of employer retaliation. Usdaw is calling on the Government to reconsider their approach to this issue and listen to their own appointed experts as well as trade unions representing the voices of thousands of low-paid workers.”

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with around 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion