Fewer hours worked in temp jobs

The number of hours worked in temp jobs dropped by nearly 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the preceding quarter. Adjusted for seasonal variation, the index figure (2000=100) for the number of hours worked in stage A temp was nearly 117, as against 120 in the previous quarter. In the third quarter of 2008, the number of temp jobs in stage A was nearly 4 percent down on the previous quarter. This was the first decrease in more than four years.

Stage A includes persons working for temp agencies on a contract basis without regular terms of employment. In stage A, it is easier for both parties - employer and employee - to terminate the contract than in the subsequent stages B and C. The number of temp hours in stage B and C was still increasing marginally. However, the total number of temp hours in the fourth quarter was lower than in the preceding quarter.

Compared to one year previously, the number of temp hours in stage A was over 5 percent down. The total number of temp hours was approximately the same as in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Hours worked in stage A temp jobs