Some of these are very good and play an important role in helping people into work. Others are less scrupulous. They exploit the lack of protection that the law gives to temporary and agency workers.

The Government has now sponsored a deal between employers and unions that will see all such workers in the UK receive equal treatment after 12 weeks employment. The agreement will give increased protection to agency workers and guard against unfair wage undercutting. It is a good deal for everyone.

By working with employers we have made sure that we do not put jobs at risk or cut off a valuable route into employment.

Some MPs claim they are in favour of rights for working people but they opposed protection for agency workers.

They were also against many other measures the government has brought in to help working families. These include:

* nine months paid maternity leave for new mums;

* Paternity leave for all new dads;

* Surestart and free childcare for three and four year olds;

* The childcare element of Working Tax Credit, which pays up to £140 a week for one child and £240 a week for two or more; and

* The National Minimum Wage.

We have also announced that we will extend the right to request flexible working to parents of children up to age 16. This will help a further 4.5 million parents.

A few weeks ago I stayed in London on a Friday to support a private members Bill on temporary and agency workers.

This Bill has now been withdrawn as its aims have been achieved. Well done to everybody concerned.