Further increase hours worked in temp jobs

In the fourth quarter of 2013, the amount of hours worked in stage A temp jobs was 1.6 percent up from the preceding quarter. In the third quarter, the amount of hours worked in stage A temp jobs grew for the first time after two years of almost continuous decline. 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 rose by 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter and has grown almost continuously over the past two years.

Currently, Dutch labour market indicators show a less negative picture. Apart from the number of hours worked in temp jobs, the number of job vacancies also grew in the fourth quarter. The number of jobs, on the other hand, continued to fall, although the decline was less substantial than in the preceding quarters. Unemployment remains high.

Hours worked in stage A temp jobs

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