The number of hours worked by temporary workers in Switzerland grew up 6.9% in the second quarter of 2017, according to figures from Swiss Staffing, the Swiss Federation for Staffing Companies.

“The Swiss economy is recovering,” Swiss Staffing said. “This is great news for the approximately 800 staff leasing companies in Switzerland, which recruit temporary staff for large corporations and SMES in all sectors.” The group added that the growth in temp workers’ hours shows a clear indication of an upturn in the Swiss economy.

Swissstaffing economist Marius Osterfeld stated that during the quarter, Swiss staff leasing companies created around 15,000 new full-time-equivalent jobs.

“A large number of success stories lies behind this development, for example the move to a permanent position following a brief period as a temporary worker, additional earnings for the summer holidays or work during semester holidays to finance studies. Whether times are good or bad, the staff leasing market remains a flexible bridge in the labor market,” Osterfeld said.

“At the half-year point, the staff leasing sector has recorded a 5.3% increase in working hours compared to the previous year,” Osterfeld said. “In view of the strong world economy and the positive growth forecasts, the sector can therefore feel optimistic about the second half of the year. Despite this, humility is still required.”

“The fact that the franc remains strong and the great increase in real wages can put the fragile upturn at risk,” Osterfeld said. “Caution and restraint are therefore advocated with regard to flat-rate wage increases through collective agreements. The good economic climate is opening up a broad range of opportunities for all employees to benefit financially and professionally.”

The Swiss Staffing index combines the hours of work from around 200 Swiss staff leasing companies to create a single indicator for the temporary market. These companies include staffing firms such as Adecco, Manpower, Randstad and Kelly Services. With 66 million hours of work, the index covers 40% of the Swiss temporary market and is representative of the sector’s development.