The working conditions of those in temporary employment contracts are expected to be improved by the introduction of the European Union's Temporary Agency Workers Directive.

Now coming into force across the region, the 2008 legislation is intended to provide agency staff with the same protection as permanent workers after they have spent a given period of time in a job.

Speaking about the forthcoming implementation of the directive, EU employment social affairs and inclusion commissioner Laszlo Andor said that it will also "support, at the same time, the positive role [temporary agency workers] play in providing flexibility in the labour market".

He added in a statement delivered in Brussels that providing equal treatment to the more than three million agency workers in Europe in areas such as pay, overtime, rest periods and holidays is part of meeting the EU's 2020 goals.

Mr Andor declared he views the legislation as striking "the right balance between fairness and flexibility".

The Temporary Agency Workers Directive is also intended to reduce unnecessary barriers and prohibitions to such employment to enhance flexibility in the European labor market.

Posted by Lee Thrace