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Measures to give temporary workers the same rights as permanent staff, including sick and holiday pay, have been agreed by European Union employment ministers.

Under the deal, Britain's 1.3 million agency workers will get the same pay and conditions as permanent staff after being employed for 12 weeks.

Business secretary John Hutton said: "It provides a fair deal for workers without damaging Britain's economic competitiveness or putting jobs at risk.

"Flexibility has been critical to our ability to create an extra three million jobs over the past decade. That flexibility has been preserved by ensuring workers can continue to have choice over their working hours in future years."

Critics of the deal include small and medium-sized employers who say they will be hit hard by the measures.

The talks also confirmed the UK's opt-out from the working time directive and a maximum 48-hour week.