The number of temporary contracts intermediated by temporary employment agencies (ETT) has risen from 1.2 million units registered in 2012 to 2.1 million in 2016, representing an increase of 66.1%, according to the Spanish Labour Market Monitor from Afi- Asempleo prepared by the Association of Employment Agencies and Temporary Employment (Asempleo), showing an increase of 53.6% in the number of workers hired through an employment agency since 2012.

Also, thanks to the growing number of intermediated contracts, the sector has managed to increase its penetration rate rising from 15% to 17.8% in the same period.

Meanwhile, the penetration rate in full-time temporary contracts has increased by about four percentage points since 2012, to 21% registered in 2016.

By contrast, the penetration rate in temporary part-time contracts remains at 12%, so Asempleo states that "the growth experienced by activities related to employment is translating into more work hours for their candidates ".

The penetration rate in the sector is generally higher among men than women, since in 2012 the difference was about four percentage points in favor of men.

With regard to age groups, the rate of penetration is fairly homogeneous and has grown in all ranges, although the greatest growth has been experienced in the sections involving the over 25s.

By region, penetration rates of higher employment agencies are recorded in Guadalajara, Murcia and Palencia. By contrast the lowest penetration rates are found in the two provinces of Extremadura, in the north of Andalusia and Balearic Islands.