The number of hours worked by temporary workers in Switzerland increased by 8.4% in 2018 when compared to 2017, according to data from Swiss Staffing, the Swiss Federation for Staffing Companies.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, hours worked by temporary workers declined by 4.0%, year-on-year.

Looking ahead, Swiss Staffing pointed to challenges facing the temporary employment industry in 2019.

“With the renewal of the GAV (Collective Labour Agreement) staff leasing, which has been extended since the beginning of the year, the minimum wages in the industry are again being raised and is making temporary work more expensive,” Marius Osterfeld, Economist at Swiss Staffing, said.

“This is happening in a difficult environment: the economy is weakening noticeably both internationally and in Switzerland. This reduces the need for temporary work at peak times,” Osterfeld.

Osterfeld also pointed to Brexit and trade disputes in the US as issues that are further burdening the economic outlook in Switzerland. However, he added that there is potential for growth within the HR services and temporary work industry.

“Internet platforms such as Adia, Coople or Smartfinder combine the flexibility of the Internet with the social security provided by the GAV personnel lending,” Osterfeld said.