Effects of the 'principle of non-discrimination' on temporary agency work: compensation and working conditions of temporary agency workers in 15 European countries

Abstract

This article examines, with reference to Europe (EU‐15), whether temporary agency workers experience less favourable working conditions and compensation than employees with a standard employment contract. Furthermore, it analyses whether the same differences exist in European countries with and without the principle of non‐discrimination in force. The results show that discrimination of temporary workers persists even when we control for other factors. Second, in countries with the principle of non‐discrimination in force, the discrimination is higher with respect to employer‐provided training.;This article examines, with reference to Europe (EU-15), whether temporary agency workers experience less favourable working conditions and compensation than employees with a standard employment contract. Furthermore, it analyses whether the same differences exist in European countries with and without the principle of non-discrimination in force. The results show that discrimination of temporary workers persists even when we control for other factors. Second, in countries with the principle of non-discrimination in force, the discrimination is higher with respect to employer-provided training.