Many line managers don't understand the rules of employing temporary workers, according to a new survey.

The study by HR management consultancy, Reflect found that 69% of line managers did not understand the rules, while HR decision makers had confidence that procedures were being followed by management.

Almost a third - 28% - of the 250 respondents surveyed showed that line managers did not understand the possible risks of treating temporary workers like permanent employees.

31% of HR decision-makers admitted to line managers appraising their temporary workers using existing performance management processes designed for permanent staff.

54% of HR respondents admitted to having made no provision for line manager training.

The survey also demonstrated that confusion abounds over the extent of ‘control’ that should be applied to temporary workers in comparison to their permanent colleagues.

Temporary workers, employed as ‘contractors’ that are deployed to client organsiations and given the same degree of control as the permanent workforce could submit an Employment Tribunal claim disputing the status of their contract.

Justin McAvoy of Reflect said: “What this means is a contractor could claim for unfair dismissal, redundancy payments, and potentially discrimination.

“HR is taking a big gamble to assume that the Line understand right and wrong behaviours and the associated risks if they are actually doing nothing proactive to ensure they are compliant.”