Domestic legislation poses a greater threat to the recruitment industry than any European laws, suggest comments by a legal expert.

Paul Nicholls, barrister for law firm 11 King’s Bench Walk Chambers said temps were more likely to gain employment rights through UK courts than the proposed Agency Workers Directive. The proposed directive calls for equal pay and conditions for temps, which could damage the recruitment industry.

He told a conference on European employment law: “As far as individuals are concerned, they might not need the European Union, they could just use the court of appeal to gain employment rights.”

The European Employment Law conference was organised by information provider LexisNexis in association with 11 King’s Bench Walk Chambers.

Tom Hadley, director of external relations at recruitment trade body the REC said there will inevitably be an Agency Workers Directive.

He urged the recruitment industry to continue its fight to make the directive workable and ensure that the UK government does not add extra red tape to it.