The number of temporary workers in France fell by 2.0% in December 2023 compared to the same period a year ago, according to the latest Prism’emploi barometer.

December was characterised by a lesser deterioration compared to the trends of previous months. November’s year-on-year decrease was 7.0%.

The barometer added that public holidays and school holidays, half of which this year took place in January, had a positive effect on activity.

According to the barometer, the majority of sectors reported a decline. Temporary employment increased in construction (2.8%) and services (1.6%), but decreased in industrial (-3.0%), transport (-4.9%) and trade (-8.5%).

Most qualifications also reported a year-on-year decline. Temporary employment increased among managers and intermediate professions (5.5%), but decreased among skilled workers (-0.9%), unskilled workers (-3.9%) and employees (-5 .7%).

The majority of metropolitan areas also reported a decline. Among the regions Auverge-Rhône-Alpes saw an increase of 3.6% while Occitanie saw an increase of 1.3% followed by Grand Est (0.5%). However, the other regions reported declines with the steepest fall seen in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (-8.5%) and Pays de la Loire (-5.7%).