The number of temporary work placements in Portugal fell by 3,582 people in September 2024 when compared to September 2023, according to the latest barometer by the Portuguese Association of Companies in the Private Sector of Employment and Human Resources and ISCTE (University Institute of Lisbon).

The latest Barometer showed that the number of temporary placements in September 2024 totalled 31,300, and the index stood at 0.89. The barometer noted that this should be interpreted as signalling that over the last 12 months, the number of contracts is below the values recorded in the previous year.

In terms of turnover, which is measured through an index that uses the total gross salaries paid for all temporary placements, the index was 0.91. This was lower than in the same period last year.

When it comes to gender, the Barometer noted a steadiness in the weight of contracts involving female workers when compared to the previous month. This percentage stood at 44.4% (which is up 1.3% from the previous month).

By age group, 23.5% of contracts were signed by workers aged 16 to 24. Workers aged 25 to 29 signed 20.7% of all contracts. Contracts for the remaining age groups were as follows: 30 to 34 (16.7%), 35 to 39 (12.9%), 40 to 49 (17.6%), and 50 and above (8.5%).

By business sector, companies that engaged temporary workers operate mainly in the ‘manufacture of components and accessories for motor vehicles’ sector, representing 8.9% of the total contracts signed in September 2024.