Spending a long time in a temporary job increases the probability of securing a permanent position.

This is the conclusion of a new study using Spanish data from 1992–2004, which explored the various determinants of unemployment in the country.

Published in the Journal of Labor Research by authors Jose Arranz, Carlos Garcia-Serrano and Luis Toharia, the research discovered those who are jobless because of the end of a temporary contract are most likely to re-enter employment in a similar role.

Details of the survey published by the Flexwork Research Centre state: "Long tenures in temporary jobs enhance the probability of finding a permanent employment."

Levels of unemployment in many European countries rose during the economic downturn, but those seeking temporary jobs in Spain may be interested to learn that

Figures released earlier this month by the Labor Ministry showed the unemployment rate in Spain rose by 0.87 per cent during March this year to 4.16 million, but the rate of increase slowed.