More than 8 million temporary workers across Europe will share the same rights as permanent employees after an historic deal was approved by the European Parliament today.

The agreement, which brought to an end six years of political wrangling, will see agency workers across the 27 member states of the European Union granted equal treatment on pay, annual leave and maternity leave.

But lawyers warned that the new rules could saddle companies with additional costs at a time when many are struggling to cope with the economic crisis. More than 27,000 businesses will be affected by the changes.

John Taylor, head of employment at emw, a law firm, said: "With the UK labour market in such a fragile state and unemployment rising, the Government should seriously reconsider whether now is the right moment to be imposing additional burdens on businesses.

"Undermining the cost savings and flexibility benefits of using temporary workers would be detrimental to all concerned."

The use of so-called "temp" workers has increased across the continent in recent years because they offer companies greater flexibility than staff on permanent contracts — but only six EU countries currently provide temporary workers with the same rights as permanent employees.

Under the terms of the agreement, individual member states can modify the rules in negotiation with domestic unions. In Britain, equal treatment for agency staff will begin 12 weeks after employment after the Government struck a deal with the unions in May.

The rules come into force in 2010 and must be implemented by individual member states within three months. The UK Government has indicated that it will adopt them as soon as possible.

Explore Law

• Columnists

• Law Panel

• Law Reports

• Student Law

Times Recommends

• The best legal yarns this Christmas
• Legal school 'earned £1m by exploiting bar course'
• Axe may fall on 5,000 more City lawyers