The Dutch government has launched a lobbying campaign designed to shore up support for European legislation for equal pay for temps.

Recruiter has learned that Dutch officials are attempting to win support in EU member states for the controversial European Agency Workers Directive.

The directive was shelved last year after crunch talks between ministers ended in deadlock.

But the Dutch presidency, which was a strong supporter of the proposals, has decided to try and settle the matter.

Meanwhile, pro-business groups are stepping up the campaign to get the directive watered down or blocked again.

Marcia Roberts, deputy chief executive of the REC trade body, said: “The next two weeks are crucial. The Dutch government has contacted all of the member states that opposed the directive to test their resolve. If they find any cracks in anybody’s armour they will push for the directive.”

The REC has launched its own campaign to back its stance on the AWD among states that have recently joined the EU. The UK government argues the directive should apply a year after a temp begins a placement.

Ann Swain, chief executive of the IT recruitment body ATSCo, said: “Europe as a whole needs to address the inflexibilities in its workforce. Making agency workers a less attractive option defeats this and shuts down an important route to full time employment for many.”