The number of temporary agency workers in Italy for July 2018 increased by 7.3% when compared to the same period last year, according to figures from Ebitemp, the bilateral organisation for temporary employment representing employers’ associations and unions.

According to Ebitemp data, the total payroll of temporary workers in July recorded an increase of 13% compared to the same month last year.

Meanwhile, the number of hours worked in July increased by 13.3% on an annual basis. Broken down by hours worked per worker, Ebitemp recorded an increase of 5.7% compared to June 2017.

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

The unemployment rate in Italy stood at 10.4% in July 2018, according to figures from Eurostat, the third-highest after Spain and Greece.