The number of hours worked by temporary workers in Switzerland recorded a decrease of 1.3% in the first quarter of 2019 when compared to the same period last year, according to data from Swiss Staffing, the Swiss Federation for Staffing Companies.

Swiss Staffing said the 1.3% decline can be explained by the fact that Switzerland is currently at the end of a growth phase.

Marius Osterfeld, Economist at Swiss Staffing, commented on the state of the temporary employment market in Switzerland: “On the one hand, the need for new staff declined due to lower orders recorded,” Osterfeld said. “On the other hand, companies are also transforming existing temporary jobs into fixed positions.”

Swiss Staffing also pointed to data that showed one in two temporary workers landed a fixed job within 24 months of the start of their temporary work period.

“Even when economic conditions are unfavourable, the flexibility of temporary work and the support of an employment service provider help you get back to work quickly and find a permanent job,” Osterfeld said.