Overall temporary employment in France fell -3.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011 when compared to a year ago. This means that at year-end there were around 568,900 temporary workers in employment, the statistics body DARES reports on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Health.

But year-on-year, the number of temporary workers in full-time equivalent increased by +0.9% while the number of temporary work contracts also went up by +1.1% year-on-year.

In the fourth quarter the industrial sector saw a decline of temporary staffing levels with 8,200 posts being lost, an equivalent of -3.1%. The services industry was also hit hard, seeing a drop of -2.6% or 5,200 jobs.  But the construction industry came out even worse as around 7,500 jobs were cut, this representing a drop of -5.9%.

2011 certainly had its fair share of ups and downs as the first half saw temporary employment go up only to drop again in the second half of the year. Overall, around 21,800 temporary jobs were axed in the year.

To read the full report in French language, click here.