The number of temporary workers in France declined by -8.2%  in June 2012 when compared to a year ago, according to the latest employment barometer of the French association of employment agencies (Prisme), published today.

Nevertheless, there are signs that the downtrend may be easing as the decline in the number of temporary workers has been slowing down for the third month in a row: -10.3% in May, -11.2% in April, and -12.7% in March 2012, on a year-on-year basis.

But all job categories are still suffering from the negative trend. Professionals and managers (cadres et professions intermédiaires) recorded the smallest drop (-4.7%), compared with June 2011; they are followed by skilled blue collar workers (-8.7%) and unskilled blue collar workers (-10.5%).

In June, the Business Services and Construction (BTP) sectors fared better than the others, with moderate declines of -2.8% and 4.9%, respectively, on a year-on-year basis. Comparatively, the Sales (commerce), Transports and Industrial sectors declined by -6.1%, -7.2%, and -11.1%, respectively.

In June 2012, the only region to see the number of temporary workers rise was the central region of Limousin (+3.8%, compared with June 2011). Once again, the industrial north east quarter suffered the most in June, on a year-on-year basis: Alsace (-18.5%), Champagne-Ardenne (-15.2%), Franche-Comté (-13.9%). They are followed by the central region of Auvergne (-11.5%) and the Western region of Bretagne (-10.8%).

To read the full report in French, click here.