The idea of electing countries to five-year terms as semi-permanent members has several supporters.

ECONOMIST: Africa wants a seat, but can't agree who should sit in it

They say employers are using them to avoid agency worker regulations, which entitle agency staff to the same basic terms and conditions as permanent employees after 12 weeks.

BBC: Andy Burnham calls for ban on zero hours contracts

After years of carrot-and-stick games with trade terms, the US has finally granted China permanent status as a normal trading partner.

BBC: US normalises trade with China

The council said all permanent members of staff will transfer to Care UK under their current terms and conditions of employment.

BBC: The Dell, Beccles

Representatives should also have longer terms in office, he thinks, to reduce the permanent turnover that pits greenhorn legislators against savvy and entrenched lobbyists.

ECONOMIST: California

Despite the relaxation being temporary, "the effects of the changes in terms of new development on neighbours and localities will be permanent", it added.

BBC: UK Politics

Under the terms of the revised scheme proposed by the coalition government, permanent staff will see their payouts for compulsory redundancy capped at a maximum of 12 months' pay.

BBC: Civil service unions deny deal with government

The 1992 Cable Act incorrectly assumed that cable was a natural monopoly requiring permanent, extensive, and intrusive regulation of cable rates and content prices, terms and conditions.

FORBES: Obsolete Television Law Needs Modernization

After a dispute over payment with the Turkish club Riza failed to hold down permanent deals at Shrewsbury and Aldershot and now finds himself on non-contract terms at Bridge Road.

BBC: 'Hurt' Omer Riza finds Histon solace

Turkish officials object to the exceptional conditions placed in advance on the terms of their eventual membership - including the demand by current EU states to be allowed to place permanent restrictions on the movement of Turks to work elsewhere in Europe.

BBC: Turkey's EU bid runs into trouble