If you’ve been injured at work while employed through an agency, on a zero-hours contract or in a temporary role, it’s natural to feel unsure about your rights. But even if you’re not a permanent employee, you might still be entitled to compensation.
That’s where Injury Lawyers 4u comes in. We make personal injury claims work for temp workers, freelancers and agency workers, so get in touch for a free, no obligation consultation.
Can temp or agency workers claim compensation after an injury?
In the UK, all employers and organisations have a legal duty of care to keep workers safe, no matter what type of contract you’re on. That means agency staff, temps, zero-hours workers and freelancers are all entitled to protection under health and safety laws.
If you’re injured because proper procedures weren’t followed, like being asked to lift heavy loads without training or working in an unsafe environment, you could be eligible to claim compensation for your injury, lost income and any related expenses.
What types of workers does this apply to?
Many people working in temporary or flexible roles aren’t clear on where they stand. But legal protection applies more broadly than you might think. We’ve put together a list of some of the roles and contract types this guidance covers:
- Recruitment agency temps — This refers to people placed by agencies into short-term or ongoing roles, commonly in warehouses, admin, logistics or customer service. The agency employs you, but you work at another company’s site.
- Zero-hour or casual staff — This is when you work shifts as needed, without guaranteed hours in sectors like hospitality, retail, healthcare and care work. You still have rights, even without fixed hours.
- Freelance contractors working on-site — This is when you are self-employed but working under the direction of another organisation. If they control your tasks and environment, they could still be responsible for your safety.
- Labourers or warehouse temps — These are usually manual roles that often involve physical tasks like lifting or operating machinery.
Who is legally responsible for your injury?
Under UK law, the principle of vicarious liability means that the organisation responsible for supervising your work is often legally accountable for your safety, even if they’re not directly your employer. That means the company where you were placed, not just the agency that hired you, could be liable if their negligence led to your injury.
For example, if you were sent by an agency to work in a warehouse and were injured because the end-client failed to maintain safe walkways, it’s likely that the client (not the agency) would be held responsible. That’s because they controlled the workplace and had a duty to prevent hazards.
While each case is different, and responsibility can depend on specific working arrangements, someone is always accountable for your safety at work. Our team can help you identify who that is and guide you through your options when you get in touch.
Most common injuries among temp and agency staff
Temporary and agency workers often carry out high-risk tasks, sometimes without proper training or equipment. Here are some of the most common injuries we see:
- Manual handling or lifting injuries — These include strains, sprains or back injuries from heavy or awkward lifting, often caused by lack of training or support equipment.
- Slips, trips and falls — This can be caused by wet floors, uneven ground or cluttered workspaces, common in warehouses, kitchens and construction sites.
- Machinery and equipment accidents — These include cuts, crush injuries or burns from faulty or unguarded machines and can happen when staff aren’t shown how to use equipment safely.
- Inadequate training or PPE — These include injuries from using chemicals, tools or machinery without proper instruction. Lack of protective gear like gloves, goggles or safety footwear will contribute.
If you were hurt because the right steps weren’t taken to protect you at work, you could have a valid claim. You don’t need to prove exactly what went wrong, just that someone failed to take reasonable care to stop it.
What should you do after an injury as a temp?
If you’ve been injured while working in a temporary role, taking these five simple steps straight away can help protect your health and your ability to make a potential future claim:
- Report the injury to your site supervisor and your agency as soon as possible.
- Take photos of the accident site, including anything that caused or contributed to the injury.
- Get witness details from anyone who saw what happened.
- Seek medical attention and keep copies of any treatment notes or letters.
- Note who was in charge, knowing who directed your work will help identify legal responsibility.
You don’t need to make a decision about claiming right away. But gathering this information early can make the process smoother if you do choose to move forward.
How Injury Lawyers 4u supports agency and temporary workers
Claims involving agency staff, temp workers or freelance placements can be complex, but our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u deal with them every day. We understand how confusing it can be when you’re not sure who was responsible or whether your contract affects your rights. That’s why we offer clear, friendly advice with no legal jargon.
What’s more, our no-win, no-fee promise means there’s nothing to pay upfront and no risk if your claim doesn’t succeed. Whether you’re ready to claim or just need some guidance, our specialists are here to help. Get in touch today and find out where you stand with a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for an injury if I’m employed by an agency?
If your injury was caused by negligence, you can still claim, even if your agency was your legal employer.
Who is responsible, the agency or the company I was working for?
Usually, the company where you were placed is responsible if they controlled your working environment and failed in their duty of care.
Do I need a formal contract to make a claim?
Your rights are based on the work you did and the conditions you worked in, not just your paperwork.
What if I was injured on my first day as a temp?
You’re still protected by law from day one as a temp. If someone fails to keep you safe, you will typically have grounds to claim.
Can I be sacked or let go for making a claim?
It is illegal for an employer to dismiss you for asserting your legal rights after a workplace injury.
Will I be compensated for lost shifts or missed hours?
You can claim for lost earnings, including missed shifts, as part of your compensation.