The average number of temporary agency workers in Italy in February 2019 decreased by 5.5% on an annual basis, according to figures from Ebitemp, the bilateral organisation for temporary employment representing employers’ associations and unions.

At the same time, the total payroll of temporary workers fell by 2.7% compared to the same month last year.

Meanwhile, the number of hours worked decreased by 3.9% on an annual basis. Broken down by hours worked per worker, Ebitemp recorded an increase of 1.8% compared to the previous year.

Eurostat data for February 2019 showed Italy had an unemployment rate of 10.7%.