BUSINESSES across the North-East have been urged to start preparing now for new legislation that will give agency staff equal treatment in the workplace.

The EU-inspired Temporary Agency Workers Directive is due to come into force next year.

It will mean that workers supplied through an employment firm will be entitled to full rights, including holiday pay and sickness benefits, after just 12 weeks in their jobs.

The radical moves could have a major impact on firms of all sizes, according to BiB Insurance, the region’s biggest independent broker.

The Darlington-based firm is calling on companies to ensure they are ready for the full effects of the directive coming into effect in December 2011.

The legislation will ensure that, once the qualifying period has been served, temporary workers will be entitled to equal treatment on pay, holiday and sick pay, benefits such as use of sports facilities or canteens, flexi-time, childcare, medical and dental insurance and care.