Agency Worker Pay Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
The rate you're currently paid by the agency for this assignment.
What the hirer pays directly employed staff doing the same role — ask your agency or hirer to disclose this.
Once you've completed 12 weeks in the same role with the same hirer, AWR equal pay rights apply.
If you've been underpaid since week 12, you may be able to claim backdated pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 12-week AWR qualifying period?
Under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (AWR), agency workers gain the right to the same basic working conditions as directly employed staff after 12 calendar weeks in the same role with the same hirer.
What rights do I get after 12 weeks?
Equal treatment on: basic pay, working time and rest breaks, annual leave (basic entitlement), night work rights. Plus access to collective facilities (canteen, childcare) and information about vacancies from day 1.
Does the clock reset if I change role?
The 12-week clock resets if there is a substantive change in role, there is a break of more than 6 weeks, or you move to a different hirer. Minor variations don't reset the clock.
What breaks pause (not reset) the clock?
Breaks that pause (but don't reset) the count: breaks of 6 weeks or less, pregnancy or parental leave, jury duty, and armed forces mobilisation. When you return, the count resumes from where it stopped.
What is the Swedish Derogation?
The 'Swedish Derogation' previously allowed agencies to avoid AWR equal pay by employing workers on a permanent contract with pay between assignments. This loophole was abolished from April 2020 — all agency workers now qualify for equal pay after 12 weeks.
How do I find out what comparable employees earn?
You can request a 'written statement' from your agency or hirer explaining how your pay compares. If they refuse or the comparison is incorrect, you can bring a claim in an Employment Tribunal within 3 months.
Can I take the agency or hirer to tribunal?
Yes — you can bring an AWR claim to an Employment Tribunal. If you win, you can receive compensation including any underpaid wages from week 12 onwards, plus a potential uplift of up to 25% if ACAS early conciliation was not used.
Does AWR apply to umbrella company workers?
AWR applies when there is a 'temporary work agency' in the chain. If you work through an umbrella company that supplies your services, AWR likely applies. However, if you're genuinely self-employed (your own limited company), AWR does not apply.