A Private Members' Bill is soon to be discussed in Parliament which could have major implications for the UK recruitment industry if it becomes law.

The Temporary Agency Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Bill, brought by Paul Farrelly, Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, is similar to the EU's Agency Workers' Directive in that it is seeking equal pay and conditions for temporary workers doing the same job as permanent staff. Temps could also have the same unfair dismissal rights as full-time workers. It will be discussed in the Commons on 2 March.

But the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has told Recruiter that the likelihood of the bill actually becoming law is "pretty remote".

Tom Hadley, director of external relations at the REC, said he believes it has come about as a result of trade union pressure: "It's a bit of a political football. The unions are basically saying that they want to see movement on the agency workers issue or we won't back [Labour] at the next election."

While this appears unlikely because of the strong links between the trade union movement and the Labour party, Hadley believes the REC has to take a "proactive" stance to quell any fears of the bill becoming law.

Private members' bills usually have little chance of progressing because of the packed agenda in the House of Commons, but Hadley estimated that it would take at least "a couple of years" for the Bill to become law.

Private members' bills are debated by the Commons on a given day but if other issues overrun, then the bill goes no further. Such bills are usually brought to draw attention to a particular issue, rather than as a solid proposal for new legislation.