The government will soon unveil new measures to prevent the mistreatment and abuse of agency workers, according to employment relations minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

Speaking at a reception on Thursday night, held at the House of Commons by IT recruitment trade body ATSCo, Fitzpatrick said that there was a clear need for "appropriate rules" to protect this workforce.

He also emphasised that "decent (workplace) standards are not barriers to growth". Social justice and a strong economy can both be in place at the same time, he said.

Fitzpatrick is MP for Canning Town and Poplar.