TEMPORARY public sector workers, including 2,000 people in the health service, will soon be automatically entitled to the same pay, overtime, holidays and equal access to on-site facilities as permanent staff.

THE Government has been accused of hypocrisy over its backing for a new guide to the social welfare system just weeks after it campaigned against equal rights for agency workers.

SIPTU has severely criticised the Government for blocking an EU directive designed to improve rights for part-time and temporary workers.