I have checked with the agency we use and from what i have read unfortunately he has no come back.  More and more companies are using agency staff as they can just get rid when they feel like it, not saying its right.   Word of wisdom to everybody, make sure you get EVERYTING regarding your emplyment in writing.                                                                                                                                                                             

  Spot on Jax as usual   And if the buggers wont sign "co-sign" documents you know they are "dodgy" there and then   Which should be enough of a warning to at least start "looking" elsewhere   But I personally wouldn't work for anyone who wouldn't sign a reasonable contract   Maybe I was unusual in my working life   But I used to attend interviews to see if the firm/individual was worth my valuable skills/expertise   Not in any "overt" way that would be rude   But I was often offered work by the end of the discussion   And sometimes had to be the one to say ..    "I'll let you know" or "No thank you"   But written terms and conditions, job description and duties are a MUST                                                                                                                                                                               

Johnnytb is right, unfortunately it will come down to the young fella's word against the manager, it has nothing to do with Agency Worker's Rights (they have barely any!) the bottom line is as Johnny said in his post....no witnesses=no case. The young guy should see the CAB for free and impartial advice to set his mind at rest and then seek employment elsewhere.  Personally you couldn't pay me £1000 a week to work for any agency, I would rather starve than be treated the way they treat people.                                                                                                                                                                             

I have to differ with you Lulu, I have worked for the agency now for 11 - 12 years as a driver. Some people do get treat bad, but, i you are good at your job, what ever your job is, then you will work. The agencies know who they can mess with and who they need to keep sweet. A worker that helps the client and gets on with what ever they are asked to do, will get asked for again. If you do get a bad deal then you say bye bye and move on. I've known guys move agency and the client has moved with the worker. Bearing also in mind, most workers have the thought that they work for the agency, wrong thought. You sign on the agency as a worker, you sell them your skill. But also, you sign on so they can sell your skill, and if they don't, get on the phone. Tell them straight, "i didn't sign on with you to sit at home on my arse mate, where's my work" They are there to work for you as you them. When they find out that you want to earn money and you are good at it, there will be no sitting at home. Half a million and more eastern Europeans can prove that. That's why a lot of English workers are sat at home, they just have that old union attitude, that's not my job, i don't do that. So the agency just says fine, sit at home an don't do anything i'll get Mr or Miss Polski to do it. And on certain jobs i know nearly a £1000 a week is not unattainable. 

Thats good to know about your experience with agencies Esspique, Im sure they do work for some people but thankfully I don't need to use them (and will not) but Im not going to debate about the pros and cons of agencies on Sweeney's thread about getting advice for his friend's bad experience....another thread could be used for that Im sure. Lets just hope the young fella gets another job and soon!