If you work in the hospitality industry through a temp agency, it is important to understand what kind of contract you have. One common type of contract is the Phase C contract. In this blog, we dive deeper into exactly what a Phase C contract entails and what it means for you as a hospitality employee.
What is a Phase C contract?
A Phase C contract is a type of agency clause often used in the hospitality industry. It is the last phase in the phase system of the ABU CLA for Temporary Workers. If you have a Phase C contract, it means you have a permanent contract with the temp agency. This gives you more security and stability than in previous phases, such as Phase A and B.
To qualify for a Phase C contract, you usually must have first worked a certain number of hours in Phases A and B. The exact number of hours varies from agency to agency, but often involves a minimum of 52 weeks of work in Phase A and 104 weeks in Phase B.
Benefits of a Phase C contract
A Phase C contract offers several benefits for hospitality workers:
- Job security: With a Phase C contract, you have a permanent contract with the employment agency. This means you can't be fired just like that and you have more job and income security.
- Continued sick pay: If you get sick, with a Phase C contract you are entitled to continued pay. This is usually 91% of your average salary in the 12 months prior to your illness.
- Pension accrual: With a Phase C contract, you build up pension through the temporary employment industry pension fund (StiPP). This ensures that you also save for later.
- Training opportunities: Many employment agencies offer training opportunities for employees with a Phase C contract. This allows you to continue to develop yourself and advance in your career.
Obligations under a Phase C contract
In addition to benefits, a Phase C contract also comes with some obligations:
- Availability: If you have a Phase C contract, you are required to be available for work. In principle, if you are offered work that fits your contract, you must accept it.
- Notice period: With a Phase C contract, a notice period applies if you want to terminate your contract. This term is usually one month. Keep this in mind if you plan to change jobs.
Salary and benefits
With a Phase C contract, you fall under the ABU CLA for Temporary Workers. This means you are entitled to the same terms of employment as permanent employees in a similar position. This includes your salary, vacations and other fringe benefits.
The exact salary you earn depends on the hospitality collective bargaining agreement that applies to the client you work for. This can vary per client. Your employment agency can give you more information about this.
Differences from a permanent contract
Although a Phase C contract offers a lot of security, there are also some differences from a regular permanent contract:
- Employer: With a Phase C contract, the temp agency is formally your employer, not the hospitality business where you work. This means that if you have questions or problems, you should initially turn to your temp agency.
- Flexibility: A Phase C contract often offers more flexibility than a permanent contract. For example, you can switch more easily between different clients or locations.
- Dismissal protection: Although a Phase C contract offers a lot of security, the severance protection is not always equal to that of a regular permanent contract. Check with your employment agency for specific terms and conditions.
Conclusion
A Phase C contract offers hospitality workers who work through a temporary agency many benefits, such as job security, continued sick pay and pension accrual. However, it does differ from a regular permanent contract and also carries obligations.
Are you curious about Phase C contract options or are you already working through us and want to know if you qualify? Then please contact our. We are happy to help you!
