RECRUITMENT experts are calling on MPs to oppose a controversial private member’s bill they claim will cost jobs.

The bill, being debated in the House of Commons on Friday, demands equal treatment between temps and permanent workers. It reflects claims that temporary workers are exploited and underpaid.

The Recruitment and Employment Federation (REC), supported by agencies across the south east and Kent, claims that the proposals would lead to fewer jobs and opportunities.

Simon Trippick, director for the REC’s South East Region, said: “Temporary workers provide vital help to businesses in this area and they should continue to be valued and well rewarded for their work.

“However, equal treatment measures between temps and permanent workers would be almost impossible to work out in practice and would add a huge layer of bureaucracy for employers and agencies. This in turn would limit job opportunities for thousands of workers in the south east.

“The idea that all temporary workers are somehow exploited and underpaid is deeply flawed and out of touch with reality.”

The REC lobbying campaign is a response to trade union pressure for tighter regulation on the supply of agency workers.

Unite backs the bill. It claims that British employment law fails to protect the country’s 1.4 million agency workers and is calling on MPs to back the Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill spearheaded by Andrew Miller, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston.