Fewer hours worked in temp jobs

The number of hours worked in temp jobs dropped by 6 percent in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the first quarter. Adjusted for seasonal variation, the index figure (2005=100) for the number of hours worked in stage A was 108, as against 115 in the previous quarter. The number of temp jobs in stage A in the first quarter also fell by 6 percent relative to the preceding quarter.

The number of hours worked in temp jobs slumped for the fourth consecutive quarter. The decline tallies with the current stage of recession. Temp agencies are the first to be affected by a diminishing demand for goods and services.

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 also declined.

Hours worked in stage A temp jobs