The total amount of hours worked by temporary workers in the Netherlands grew by 7% in the fifth period (weeks 17-20) of 2018, compared to the same period last year, according to the Dutch Federation of Private Employment Agencies (ABU).

ABU divides the year into four-week periods, with the fifth period the most recently ended. As this period had one less workable day as the same period last year, a correction was applied.

Turnover among temporary workers grew by 12% in comparison to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, temporary workers in the administrative sector saw their hours increase by 1% compared to the same period last year while turnover also increased 4% in the same period.

Hours worked by temporary workers in the industrial sector saw an increase of 11% and turnover increased 17% compared to last year. Furthermore, the amount of worked hours in the technical sector increased by 7% while turnover grew by 12% compared to the same period last year. 

In April, the Dutch unemployment rate stood at 3.9%, according to data from Eurostat.