Slump in temp hours

The number of hours worked in temp jobs dropped by 6 percent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the preceding quarter. Adjusted for seasonal variation, the index figure (2005=100) for the number of hours worked in stage A was nearly 115, as against 123 in the previous quarter. In the third as well as the fourth quarter of 2008, the number of temp jobs in stage A already fell by 4 percent relative to the previous quarter. This was the first downturn in more than four years.

The decrease of the number of hours worked in temp jobs fits the current stage of recession. The demand for products and services diminished, which has repercussions for the temp agency branch too.

Compared to one year previously, the number of temp hours in stage A was more than 13 percent lower.

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 also declining after almost three years of growth.

Hours worked in stage A temp jobs