The average number of temporary agency workers in Italy in July 2019 fell by 5.9% on an annual basis, according to figures from Ebitemp, the bilateral organisation for temporary employment representing employers’ associations and unions.

The 5.9% decrease was an improvement over June’s 6.5% decrease.

Total payroll for temporary agency workers fell by 2.4% in July compared to the same month last year but was an improvement from June’s 3.2% decrease.

Ebitemp’s data also showed that the number of hours worked in July 2019 decreased by 1.5% on an annual basis. Broken down by hours worked per worker, Ebitemp recorded an increase of 4.7% compared to the previous year.

Data from Eurostat for the second quarter of 2019 found that the employment rate in Italy increased by 0.5% compared to the first quarter of 2019. The unemployment rate in July stood at 9.9%.