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General information only. This site does not provide legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor.
In-depth guide · Last reviewed June 2026

Agency worker accident at work: who is liable?

Do agency workers have the same rights as permanent employees?

HSWA 1974 s.2 applies to all employees; host employer duty to non-employees under s.3; Agency Workers Regulations 2010 for employment rights context

Who is liable — the agency or the host employer?

Direction and control test; who set tasks, provided equipment, supervised; both may be partially liable

What is the "direction and control" test?

Explaining how courts assess who was the effective employer for health and safety purposes; relevant case law: Mersey Docks and Harbour Board v Coggins & Griffith [1947

What if the agency failed to ensure you had proper training or induction?

Agency's own duty; contract between agency and host

How do you make a claim?

Identify correct defendant(s); notify both agency and host employer; solicitor issues letter(s) of claim

What sick pay are agency workers entitled to?

SSP — agency workers qualify after earning above the Lower Earnings Limit; no occupational sick pay from host employer unless contractually agreed

What is the time limit?

Same three years under Limitation Act 1980

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Where did the accident happen?

Pick the setting closest to your situation.

Sources

  1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 ss.2, 3
  2. Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/93)
  3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  4. Mersey Docks and Harbour Board v Coggins & Griffith [1947] AC 1

This guide is editorial information about UK law. It is not legal advice and does not create a solicitor–client relationship. For advice on your circumstances, speak to a regulated personal-injury solicitor.