As a supply teacher or support staff member, knowing your rights is key to feeling secure and supported at work. At Teachers Together, we’re here to make sure you have the information you need to feel confident about your entitlements under the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR).
What is AWR?
The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (AWR) provide agency workers with rights to equal treatment in terms of pay and working conditions after 12 weeks in the same role with the same hirer. These regulations ensure fairness and protect temporary workers from being treated less favourably than permanent staff.
Key Rights Under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR)
Day-One Rights
From the first day of your assignment, you’ll have access to:
Access to Facilities – This includes canteens, staff rooms, and parking, where available to permanent staff.
Vacancy Information – You’ll be informed of any internal job vacancies that arise during your assignment.
AWR: Equal Treatment for Supply Teachers and Support Staff After 12 Weeks
Once you have worked in the same role for 12 calendar weeks (even with breaks), you’ll be entitled to:
Equal Pay – You’ll receive the same basic pay as a permanent employee doing a comparable job.
Working Hours – Your working time, breaks, and annual leave entitlements will match those of permanent staff.
Holiday Pay – Your holiday entitlement will align with that of a comparable permanent employee.
AWR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Supply Teachers and Support Staff Get Paid for School Closures?
We know that school closures can cause uncertainty, but our policy is designed to make sure you’re treated fairly and protected. In the event of closures (e.g., bad weather), agency workers should be treated the same as permanent staff regarding pay and working conditions.
What Happens if My Assignment is Interrupted?
Short Breaks (up to 6 weeks): The 12-week clock pauses but doesn’t reset.
Longer Breaks (over 6 weeks): The clock resets unless the break is due to specific reasons like illness or maternity leave.
Do Agency Workers Qualify for Inset Days?
If permanent staff are paid for training or attendance during Inset Days, agency workers who have qualified under AWR should also be paid and given access to the training.
What If My Rights Are Breached?
If you believe your rights under AWR have been breached:
Raise the Issue with Your Agency – Talk to your consultant at Teachers Together.
Request Information – You’re entitled to ask for details about your pay and conditions and how they compare to permanent staff.
Seek Support – If the issue remains unresolved, you may escalate it to an employment tribunal. Compensation for breaches can include payment for losses and, in cases of deliberate avoidance, fines.
How Teachers Together Supports You
At Teachers Together we’re proud to offer a personal, member-focused approach. With fair transparent pay, access to free CPD, and pension contributions, we make sure your hard work is recognised and rewarded.
We:
Track your qualifying period to ensure compliance with AWR.
Provide clear breakdowns of your pay and entitlements.
Offer holiday pay at 12.5% and pension contributions at 5%
Provide access to free training and CPD resources to enhance your skills and career.
Additionally, as a committed real living wage employer, support staff members often find that their pay terms are more favourable with Teachers Together.
For teachers, we pay in line with the national teacher pay scale meaning any QTS members placed through us receive a minimum salary equivalent to M1, scaling up according to experience and qualifications.
Further Reading and Resources
For more detailed information, you can view the UK Government’s official AWR guidance.
Need Help Understanding Your Rights?
If you need help understanding your rights under the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), contact Teachers Together today for personalised support.
You can email us at info@teacherstogether.co.uk or call our office on 01707 938911.
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