CONCERNS have been raised a telecoms giant is not paying some of its workers the standard rate of pay.

Hyndburn's MP Graham Jones said the issue, concerning agency workers at BT Sport call centre at The Globe Centre in Accrington, was brought to him by The Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Mr Jones said employees are not being paid the standard rate of pay after 12 weeks because of the use of the Swedish Derogation.

The Swedish Derogation clause in the Agency Workers Regulations puts in place 'pay between assignments' terms for agency workers instead of pay equity.

Mr Jones said the loophole is being used to pay agency workers only the minimum wage rather than the standard rate of pay after 12 weeks.

Mr Jones, who raised the issue in the House of Commons recently, said: "I am very grateful to the CWU for bringing to my attention the BT Sport call centre in my constituency who paying the minimum wage to agency workers beyond 12 weeks using Swedish Derogation.

"The Taylor report talked about getting of the Swedish Derogation, and when are the government going to act and start to protect some of our lowest paid workers?

BT said it is 'committed' to being a great place to work, and is currently reviewing the issue with its recognised trade union partner as part of its 'strong commitment' to ensuring they have fair pay structures across the BT Group.

The government said there is a consultation underway that discusses the Swedish Derogation.

A spokesman said: "There is a consultation underway right now that discusses the Swedish Derogation.

"But firms and businesses should be under no doubt that this government expects everyone be paid the national minimum wage or national living wage.

"That's why we've doubled the amount of enforcement and that's why we've protected the pay of 98,000 workers and why we are absolutely committed that everyone gets paid the national minimum wage."

The Communication Workers Union were unavailable for comment.