Decline in number of temp hours levels off

The number of hours worked in temp jobs dropped by 3 percent in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter. Adjusted for seasonal variation, the index figure (2005=100) for the number of hours worked in stage A was 105, as against 108 in the previous quarter. The number of temp jobs in stage A in the second quarter fell by 6 percent relative to the preceding quarter.

The number of hours worked in temp jobs slumped for the fifth 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. The declining number of temp hours is currently levelling off.

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 less than in the second quarter.

Hours worked in stage A temp jobs