A Europe-wide conference of  recruitment professionals heard how agencies can create jobs if red tape is reduced, just hours after the decision on the Agency Work Directive.

Eurociett's stakeholders conference took place in Brussels yesterday, where recruitment industry figures held panel discussions on industry regulation and the social implications of recruitment agencies.

Stéphane Ouaki, deputy head of cabinet, European Commision, who gave the closing speech on behalf of the European Commission, had been debating the Directive until 2am.

Ouaki told Recruiter: "It was a very consensual agreement -the UK can be very satisfied with the outcome. It is a very positive step for the country and its labour market."

During the panel session Annemarie Muntz, president of Eurociett told the conference that 2m jobs could be created across Europe in five years, if the economy continues to grow and unnecessary regulation on the recruitment industry is removed.

The conference also debated whether recruitment agencies are providing a stepping stone to employment and flexibility, or are trapping unadvantaged workers.

Additional reporting in the next issue of Recruiter.