Temporary employment in France grew by 2.5% in August after a 7.0% increase in July, according to data from Prism’Emploi, the French association of employment agencies.

The figures showed that in the first eight months of 2016, growth was 5.6%. For comparison, Prism’Emploi states that 2015 was characterised by a continuous increase throughout the year and next month’s data will show if 2016 will have a similar trend.

The two occupational categories that created the most temporary jobs in August were skilled workers (+ 9.0% compared to last month) and middle managers and professionals (3.5% compared to last month). Compared to the previous month, there was a decline among unskilled workers (-0.5%) and employees (-3.3%).  

Temporary employment grew in almost all major sectors compared to the previous month: transport (+ 8.7%), construction (+ 6.8%), industry (+ 2.1%) and services (+ 0.4%). Only trade (-3.8%) declined.

Among the regions, the number of temporary workers increased compared to the previous month in Pays de la Loire (+ 9.8%) and Île-de-France (+ 8.5%). However, the number decreased in Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes (-1.1%) and in Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées (-3.6%).