Unemployed more likely to find flexible than permanent job

Slightly fewer employees became unemployed in the third quarter of 2011 than in the same quarter last year. On the other hand, fewer unemployed people found a job. Those who did were more likely to find a job with a flexible than with a permanent contract. 

Fewer flexible employees unemployed

Of employees with a flexible employment contract in the second quarter of 2011, 4.5 percent were unemployed three months later. Two years ago, during the economic crisis, this percentage was 5.4. The percentage of employees with a permanent job who became unemployed was slightly lower than two years ago.

Although the risk of becoming unemployed for employees with a flexible contract has decreased, these employees are still more likely to lose their job than employees with a permanent contract.

Employees with flexible and permanent contract unemployed in subsequent quarter

More flexible jobs

Over 24 percent of 15-64 year-olds who were unemployed in the second quarter of 2011 had found a job of at least twelve hours a week in the following quarter. Nearly 55 percent of these formerly unemployed had a flexible contract. Just over 37 percent had found a permanent job. The remainder had started their own business.
The percentage of unemployed who find a permanent job has been decreasing since 2009. The share who found a flexible job is now even slightly higher than during the economic crisis at the time. This is a sign that the labour market is becoming increasingly flexible.

Unemployed who have found a job in subsequent quarter

Lian Kösters