The number of temporary agency workers in Italy for September 2018 increased by 3.4% 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 September recorded an increase of 5.8% compared to the same month last year, according to Ebitemp.

Meanwhile, the number of hours worked in August increased by 4.3% on an annual basis. Broken down by hours worked per worker, Ebitemp recorded an increase of 0.8% compared to July 2017.

Italy’s temporary employment market has seen changes recently which has slowed down demand for temporary workers. In August, Italy’s senate approved a decree that increases limits on temporary contracts.

According to Eurostat, Italy’s unemployment rate stood at 10.1% in September, the third-highest in the EU after Spain and Greece.