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France – Temporary staffing market reports further declines

27 November 2014

Temporary employment decreased by -2.9% across France during October 2014, compared with October 2013, according to the latest figures from the French Association of Employment Agencies, Prism’Emploi.

This follows a year-on-year decline of -2% September and -0.3% in August. So far this year, May and July are the only two months to report growth, when compared with the same month in 2013.

The number of white-collar workers increased by +6.7% between October 2013 and October 2014; while unskilled blue-collar worker numbers rose by +6.7%. The number of managers and executives increased by +7.2%, year-on-year.

The only decline was noted in the number of skilled blue-collar workers, which decreased by -15.1%. Skilled blue-collar workers account for approximately a third of all temporary workers in France.

The Construction sector reported a significant decrease in the number of temporary workers (-20.6%) during October, with a more moderate decline (-0.5%) reported in the Transport sector. Some growth was reported in the Services and Retail segments, +1.9% and 1.8%, respectively. The Industrial segment remained relatively stable, year-on-year, with growth of +0.1%.

Of the 21 French regions, six reported an increase in the number of temporary workers during October 2014, compared with last year. One region, Languedoc-Roussillon, reported no change, year-on-year.

The greatest growth was reported in Haute (Upper) Normandy (+6.2%); followed by Nord-Pass-de-Calais (+3.4%), and Alsace (+3.1%). The strongest declines were reported in Basse (Lower) Normandy (-10.4%); followed by Champagne-Ardenne (-10.1%), and Franche-Comté (-9.1%).          

The Prism’Emploi Barometer is prepared by an independent third party, Umanis, and based on statistics reported by a panel of temporary employment agencies representing more than 80% of temporary employment in France.