The United Kingdom launched a GBP1 million (US$1.5 million) campaign on Monday to remind temporary workers of their rights. The campaign will include posters as well as notices in the press, according to the U.K. government. In addition, Business Minister Pat McFadden is writing to more than 13,000 U.K. employment agencies to outline how they can comply with the law.

"The vast majority of agencies are working very hard to keep people in work in a very challenging environment," said Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, a trade group for staffing firms. "Agency workers deserve to have their rights respected and we welcome [the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's] campaign to root out rogue agencies and employers who do not play by the rules."

Simon Garbett, chairman of The Employment Agents Movement, also supported the campaign.

"Enforcing minimum standards such as health and safety, minimum wages, holiday pay and ensuring workers' pay is not reduced by illegal or unfair deductions is entirely appropriate," Garbett said.