Your Rights as a Temporary Construction Worker: Advice from a Leading Construction Recruitment Agency in Birmingham

Temporary work continues to grow across the UK, especially in construction. As of March 2025, there were 1.56 million temporary workers, up from 1.45 million the previous year (Statista, 2025). Despite this growth, many workers are still unaware of their rights under the Agency Workers Regulations, which means they could be missing out on fair treatment and important benefits.

At Extra Workforce, we specialise in construction recruitment in Birmingham and across the UK. Every day, we speak to skilled tradespeople, labourers, and site professionals looking for work. We believe it’s our duty as a recruitment partner to make sure every temporary worker we place is informed, protected, and confident in understanding what they’re entitled to.

Below, we’ve outlined the 10 key rights every temporary construction worker should know.

1. Understanding Your Role as a Temporary Worker

Being classed as a “temp” doesn’t make you any less valuable than permanent employees. In construction, temporary workers play a vital role, stepping in at short notice, adapting to new sites quickly, and keeping projects on schedule.

You’re entitled to fairness, respect, and the same workplace protections as anyone else on site.

2. Essential Documents You Must Receive Before Starting

Before you start work through any construction recruitment agency in Birmingham, you have a legal right to receive the following three documents:

• Key Information Document (KID): Explains your contract type, pay structure, and entitlements.
• Signed contract: The agreement between you and your recruitment agency (your legal employer).
• Assignment details: Include start date, job type, duration, and site location.

If any of these are missing, ask your agency to provide them immediately before you begin work.

3. Protection from Discrimination

You’re protected by the Equality Act 2010, which makes it illegal for anyone to discriminate against you based on gender, race, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

If you experience discrimination or harassment on site, speak to your Extra Workforce consultant in confidence. We’ll support you in resolving the issue fairly and professionally.

4. Fair and Transparent Pay

All agency workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, with no unlawful deductions. You should receive on-time payments and regular payslips, showing exactly how your pay is calculated. Our in-house payroll team ensures every construction worker placed through Extra Workforce is paid correctly, on time, and in full compliance with UK employment law.

5. Paid Holiday Entitlement

From your first day of work, you start building up paid holiday entitlement. You’re legally entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday per year, which accumulates over time. Submit your holiday requests in advance so your agency can arrange site cover while you’re away.

6. Rest Breaks and Working Hours

If you work more than six hours in a day, you’re entitled to a 20-minute uninterrupted break. You also have the right to 11 hours of rest between shifts, ensuring you have enough time to recover. These rules exist to keep you safe and alert, especially in physically demanding construction roles.

7. Taking Time Off When You’re Unwell

If you’re ill or injured, you have the right to take time off. Depending on your contract, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or agency-provided sick pay. Always let your consultant know if you’re too unwell to work, your health and safety come first, and you should never feel pressured to attend site when unfit.

8. Equal Access to Job Opportunities

While on assignment, you have the right to be informed about any relevant permanent job opportunities within the company you’re working for. Being overlooked for roles without a fair reason could be seen as discrimination under employment law.

9. Your Right to a Safe Working Environment

Construction is a high-risk industry, which is why your employer must take all reasonable steps to keep you safe. This includes risk assessments, safety briefings, and providing PPE where required. You have the right to stop work and report any activity that puts you or others in danger. Safety must always come before deadlines.

10. Support When It’s Time to Move On

If your assignment isn’t the right fit, or if you need to leave early, your agency should help you manage the process professionally. At Extra Workforce, we’ll liaise with the client on your behalf and help you secure your next suitable opportunity, ensuring a smooth and respectful transition.

Empowering Construction Workers Across Birmingham

As one of the trusted names in construction recruitment in Birmingham, Extra Workforce is committed to fairness, transparency, and doing right by our workers. We go beyond job placement; we offer real guidance, career support, and protection for everyone we work with.

Whether you’re a skilled tradesperson, site operative, or project manager, you deserve to know your rights and feel supported every step of the way.

If you’d like tailored advice or help finding your next construction role, speak to your local Extra Workforce consultant today.