Clause 1
Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill
10:30 am
John Heppell (Nottingham East, Labour)
For a moment I thought that these circumstances were the exception that proves the rule, but the music and entertainment industry is different from most other things. However, one thing is similar. The point is that if somebody was at lower level, the bandleader might want to carry on with what would probably be a different format—if there was no Eddie Calvert to do the solos, it would be a different show. Under those circumstances, if he employed someone else directly instead of going to a temporary agency and did so on a lower salary, there would be no conflict. We need to consider if there will be a difference if someone is employed directly or on a temporary basis because they should be treated the same. If the intention of the bandleader was to employ somebody directly on a lower salary, the right hon. Gentleman could legitimately justify what he says about someone below standard being paid less on a temporary basis.