Temporary workers of European Union (EU) states may be granted the same rights as their permanent counterparts under new rules approved by the European Parliament's Employment Committee.

Despite being blocked since 2002 due to reservations expressed by the UK government, 31 Members of European Parliament voted for the bill and three against, euractiv.com related.

If the bill is further approved in late October, the legislation will affect all EU states and will guarantee equal access to training and employment for temporary workers.

Jean Lamberts, the UK's Green MEP, said that the proposed rules signify "an important building block in the 'flexicurity' debate" and represent a big change for those who work on a temporary basis at present.

In June, the BBC reported on the bill and stated that its passing would mean the UK's 1.3 million agency workers would receive the same