The number of hours worked by agency workers in the Europe increased year-on-year by 21.6 per cent during March 2011.

According to the European Confederation of Private Employment Agencies (Eurociett), the sector has witnessed 12 consecutive months of growth.

New figures from the organization show that there was a 27.2 per cent climb in the number of agency personnel in Italy over the year, while turnover in Sweden was 40 per cent higher and 22 per cent in France.

Switzerland saw the highest rise in hours worked by such employees, with a jump over the 12 months in question of 46.3 per cent.

"This only goes confirms the sector's status as a leading business indicator and as being at the forefront of job creation," commented Eurociett managing director Denis Pennel.

Attending a recent event in Hungary about employment legislation, policy adviser for Eurociett Michael Freytag explained to delegates that regulation of the temporary agency work sector needs to be based on flexicurity principles and should involve social partners.

Posted by Alex Donnell