Union raises concerns over BT agency pay

CONCERNS have been raised over the rate of pay telecoms giant BT is paying some of its agency workers in Accrington.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said he had been contacted by members of the Communication Workers Union regarding an issue at BT’s office at the Globe Centre.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Jones claimed that workers are not being paid the standard rate of pay after 12 weeks because of the use of the ‘Swedish Derogation’.

BT bosses said they are ‘currently reviewing this issue with its recognised trade union partner’.

The Swedish Derogation clause in the Agency Workers Regulations puts in place ‘pay between assignments’ terms for agency workers instead of pay equity.

MP Andrew Griffiths, minister for small business, consumers and corporate responsibility, told Mr Jones that a consultation is under way regarding Swedish Derogation.

He said: “Firms and businesses should be in no doubt that this Government expect everyone to be paid either the national minimum wage or the national living wage.”

A BT spokesperson said: “We’re committed to being a great place to work, and we are currently reviewing this issue with our recognised trade union partner as part of our strong commitment to ensuring we have fair pay structures across the BT Group”