Grupo Norte President José Rolando Álvarez last week called for a new labour model in Spain that allows for temporary agencies to intermediate contracts of indefinite duration with the aim of raising employment. The Madrid-based provider of staffing and other services also reported sales rose by 7% in 2017 to €212 million.

Álvarez said staffing firms are the natural actors in the market and temporary jobs must be a gateway to permanent employment. Spain must also provide more training, he said, and it makes sense for staffing firms that cover the employment process from training to recruitment be given a greater role. Wage increases linked to productivity should also be part of the framework.

The unemployment rate in Spain during 2017 was 17.2%, among the highest in Europe, according to Eurostat.

Álvarez noted Spain has 3.6 million unemployed persons yet still has 109,000 job vacancies.

Turning to sales, Álvarez said the company posted sales of €212 million in 2017, up from €197 million in the previous year. The increase came after significant investments in technology and human capital. Álvarez also noted sales at the company’s Chilean operations rose 42% to €17 million.