The agency work industry in Europe climbed by 22.3 per cent year-on-year in December 2010, new figures show.

According to the report from the European Confederation of Private Employment Agencies (Eurociett), the year to December saw the sector grow for the ninth month in a row.

An increase of 38.8 per cent was recorded for Germany in the number of individuals in such roles, while Poland saw a 31 per cent climb in hours worked over the fourth quarter of last year and Sweden a 42 per cent leap.

The latest Agency Work Business Indicator also shows January saw the pace of growth in both permanent and temporary/contract staff billings in the UK compared with the previous year.

On Sweden, the organization writes: "Never before have so many people found jobs via the staffing companies as in the fourth quarter of 2010. Business exceeded SEK 5 billion for the first time."

Eurociett represents the common interests of Europe's agency work sector.

Posted by Alex Donnell