Adequat, one of the largest staffing firms in France, has revealed that the construction industry is defying the economic crisis as temporary employment is performing strongly.

The firm published statistics on the number of temporary workers in the construction industry showing that temporary workers in construction make up 22% of the total temporary workforce.

But those working in the  light industrial sector, including electrical, painting, plumbing, still employ most agency staff(52% of the total temporary workforce), followed by those undertaking heavy structural work, and the public sector.

Adequat, the ninth largest employment agency in France, said that recruitment in the French construction industry is doing well despite economic uncertainties. Several flagship projects in the construction sector this year have boosted hiring, the firm said.

The staffing company also said that in 2011, 40% of its sales were generated from the construction industry, seeing continued growth into the new year although overall French temporary employment has been sluggish in recent months.  

According to Staffing Industry Analysts’ latest research, the size of the French market in 2011 was €23.5 billion.