Further decline hours worked in stage A temp jobs

In the second quarter of 2013, the amount of hours worked in stage A temp jobs was 1.6 percent down from the first quarter. The number of hours worked in stage A temp jobs declined for the fifth consecutive quarter. The index (2010=100) for the number of hours worked in stage A stood at 98.1. The figures have been adjusted for seasonal variation.

Stage A includes people working for temp agencies on a contractual basis without regular terms of employment. In stage A, it is easier for both parties – temp job agencies and temp workers – to terminate the contract than in the subsequent stages B and C.

The seasonally adjusted number of hours worked in stage B and C temp jobs was up by 2.7 percent in the second quarter relative to first quarter. The number of hours worked in stage B and C has risen almost continuously for eighteen months now. Due to the increase, the total amount of hours worked in temp jobs grew by a modest 0.4 percent in the second quarter of 2013 relative to the first quarter. 

Apart from the number of hours worked in stage A temp jobs, more labour market indicators deteriorated. The number of jobs and the number of job vacancies also dropped in the second quarter and unemployment has risen rapidly in recent months.

Hours worked in stage A temp jobs

For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to the Economic Monitor.