The average number of temporary agency workers in Italy in August 2019 fell by 5.4% on an annual basis, according to figures from Ebitemp, the bilateral organisation for temporary employment representing employers’ associations and unions.

The 5.4% decrease was an improvement over July’s 5.9% decrease.

Total payroll for temporary agency workers fell by 4.4% in August compared to the same month last year and was a further decrease from July’s 2.4% decrease.

Ebitemp’s data also showed that the number of hours worked in August 2019 decreased by 4.5% on an annual basis. Broken down by hours worked per worker, Ebitemp recorded an increase of 0.9% compared to the previous year.

Data from Eurostat for August 2019 found that the unemployment rate in Italy stood at 9.5%.