The number of temporary workers in France declined by -10.3%  in May 2012 when compared to a year ago, according to the latest employment barometer of the French association of employment agencies (Prisme), published today.

However, the sharp decline the French staffing industry has seen since January 2012 appears to be easing slightly as the number of temporary workers had previously dropped by -11.2% in April, and by -12.7% in March 2012 on a year-on-year basis.

All job categories were affected by this market decrease though the roles that suffered the least were professionals and managers (cadres et professions intermédiaires, -7.8% compared to May 2011). But low-level white collar (employés), while skilled blue collar workers (ouvriers), and unskilled blue collar workers (ouvriers non qualifies) declined by as much as -10%, -10.4% and -11.3%, respectively.

Similarly to the figures reported last month, all sectors saw a year-on-year drop in May 2012, but the number of temporary staff in the services, industrial and construction sectors saw the sharpest declines with -10.8%, 11.5% and -11.7%, respectively, on a year-on-year basis. On the other hand, the retail (commerce) and transport sectors were less affected and declined by -4.2% and -5.7%, respectively.

Although all regions saw temporary workers declining in May 2012, on a year-on-year basis, the regions that were particularly impacted include the north-eastern part of the country: Alsace (-21%), followed by Franche-Comté (-15.2%) and Champagne-Ardenne (-15%). The central and western regions of Limousin, Poitou-Charentes, Bourgogne (centre-east) and Aquitaine recorded the smallest drops with -2.3%, -4.6%, -5.2 and -5.5, respectively.

The employment barometer is based on statistics provided by temporary employment agencies, representing more than 80% of temporary employment in the country.

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