More people working on permanent contracts

In the fourth quarter of 2007, the employed labour force comprised 7.3 million people. Approximately 5.8 million were employed on a permanent basis, nearly 570 thousand worked flexible hours. Additionally, over 960 thousand people were self-employed. Since early 2006, the number of employees holding permanent jobs has risen following a period of steady decline. This decline continued in 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the number of employees working under permanent contracts had increased by 2 percent relative to one year previously. For employees working flexible hours and self-employed, the increase had begun as early as in 2003. Last year, the upward trend continued. Women – in particular middle-aged women – entirely accounted for the increase in permanent contracts. The number of male employees on permanent contracts remained virtually unchanged in 2007.

Number of employees by type of contract