That's the number of recruiters who had signed on through the REC, as of last week, to champion our industry to MPs, who will consider and debate the Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill on 22 February.

This bill, introduced by Labour MP and former trade union officer Andrew Miller, is intended to extend to our valued temporary work force many of, if not all, the same terms and conditions as permanent staff. And it's precisely what neither recruiters nor our temporary workers need. It won't exactly help UK business either.

We know that temporary work is a choice for many. We know that temporary work is an essential vehicle into the world of employment for many. We also know that such a bill will surely increase everyone's costs and reduce opportunities for many.

Unfortunately, too few decision makers do. The time is now to raise your voice — loudly — and tell your MP the truth about temporary work in the UK today, when it is provided through professional recruiters. Don't wait.