The number of temporary agency workers in Italy for August 2018 increased by 5.5% when compared to the same period last year, according to figures from Ebitemp, the bilateral organisation for temporary employment representing employers’ associations and unions.

The total payroll of temporary workers in August recorded an increase of 8.7% compared to the same month last year.

Meanwhile, the number of hours worked in August increased by 9.7% on an annual basis. Broken down by hours worked per worker, Ebitemp recorded an increase of 3.9% compared to July 2017.

In August, Italy’s senate approved a decree that increases limits on temporary contracts which could have a negative impact on Italy’s staffing market.

Eurostat data for August found that the unemployment rate in Italy for August stood at 9.7%, the third-highest after Spain and Greece.