Temp agencies positive about fourth quarter 2013

The amount of hours worked in temp jobs increased in the fourth quarter of 2013 relative to the third quarter. The number of hours worked on secondment basis also grew. Temp agencies also reported turnover growth as a result of the increased demand for temp and seconded staff.

More hours and higher turnover

Adjusted for seasonal variation, the number of temp hours grew by 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 relative to the third quarter. The marginal growth registered in the third quarter thus continues. The amount of hours worked on secondment basis was 2.5 percent up in the fourth quarter from the preceding quarter, but has risen since early 2012. Turnover generated by the sector temp agencies was 0.9 percent higher in the fourth quarter than in the previous quarter. Seasonally adjusted turnover improved for the third consecutive quarter. Turnover growth over the entire year 2013 was 0.2 percent.

Temp and secondment hours (seasonally adjusted)

Temp agencies positive about employment first quarter of 2014

Temp agencies are positive about employment in the first quarter of 2014. After six consecutive quarters in which pessimism prevailed, the number of entrepreneurs expecting employment in their branch to grow outnumbers those anticipating loss of employment. In other sectors, the mood is still rather negative and pessimists outnumber optimists.

Opinions Dutch entrepreneurs on employment in first quarter 2014

Majority of temp workers active in manufacturing industry

On average, 169 thousand temp workers were employed in 2012; the majority of them were working in manufacturing industry. Between 2008 and 2012, the demand for temp workers was reduced across nearly all sectors, but remained stable in the sector hotels and restaurants. Despite the poor situation on the housing market, the demand for temp workers in the construction sector has grown. In times of economic uncertainty, the demand for flex workers is higher than the demand for permanent staff.

Ellen Webbink and Elena van Kampen