More workers via temp agencies
The number of employee jobs was on average 29 thousand lower in 2005 than in 2004. Compared with the substantial loss of jobs in 2004, this was quite a modest fall. It was caused by a slower reduction of jobs in the private sector. In the course of 2005 employment started to rise again. Workers employed via temp agencies were in particular demand.
Development in jobs of employees
Private sector job losses slowed
While the number of jobs in the private sector fell by 128 thousand in 2004, in 2005 the fall was smaller at 40 thousand. Most jobs were lost in manufacturing, construction and trade in 2004. In 2005, too, job losses were largest in these sectors, but the combined loss was only half the number of the previous year. In the collective sector the number of jobs rose slightly, just as in 2004.
Good business for temp agencies
Business services was the only branch within the private sector where employment turned around in 2005. Whereas 12 thousand jobs were lost in the sector in 2004, in 2005 no fewer than 30 thousand new jobs were available. The growth in jobs was nearly all caused by increased employment through temp agencies.
Development in jobs of employees in some sectors of industry
Temp workers mainly in manufacturing
Temp agency workers recruited in 2005 were mainly employed in the manufacturing industry, trade and business services. More than a quarter of temps worked in manufacturing, 16 percent in trade and 12 percent in business services.
Distribution of temp workers across sectors of industry, 2005
Temporary recruits first
Around 30 thousand more temp agency workers were employed in 2005 than in 2004. The increase in the number of temp workers was mainly in manufacturing, business services and public administration. Many jobs have been lost in these sectors in recent years. Now the economy is picking up again, companies are recruiting temporary workers in the first instance. This is quite a usual situation in a period of economic recovery.
Hans Langenberg