Use of temporary agency labour continues to grow in March

Figures continue to show a postitive increase ahead of labour stats to be announced on Wednesday

New data from de Poel, the number one procurer of temporary agency labour, shows the use of temporary agency workers in the UK rose by over 10% in March, compared with the same period last year.

Figures show that the number of hours worked by temporary agency workers increased by an average of 10.36% in March 2011, with the sectors such as construction growing by 47% and Retail by 12%.

The data that continues to show an increase in the use of temporary agency labour comes ahead of the ONS labour stats that are due out on Wednesday. In recent months these stats have continued to indicate a gloomy picture for the labour market.

More information

Matthew Sanders, CEO of de Poel commented: “Temporary agency workers are continually being seen as a great way to fill skills gaps in the workforce. This data shows that businesses are still wary about employing permanent staff and so temporary workers are a brilliant solution to business fluctuations and the need for short term labour.”

The data also showed an increase in the use of temporary agency labour in quarter one of 2011, compared with the same quarter in 2010.

However, not every sector is increasing its use in temporary agency labour with both the care and manufacturing sectors decreasing the use in temporary labour.

Matthew continues; “Temporary agency workers are the backbone of UK Plc as they offer a rapid solution to market fluctuations, often filling skills gaps at short notice- especially during times of economic unrest. With the new Agency Workers Regulations coming into force in October, organisations need to start preparations for the introduction now, otherwise there could be a huge increase in the cost of temporary labour. Consideration from businesses also needs to be given as to how they are going to place temporary agency workers within their organisation in the future to ensure they can still maintain an efficient, cost effective and flexible workforce.”

Key facts
1.    The number of hours worked by temporary agency staff increased by 10.36% in March 2011 compared with March 2010
2.    Increase in temporary agency labour usage (March 2010- March 2011) by sector:
a.    Waste 19.10%
b.    Retail 12.63%
c.    Facilities 5.13%
d.    Business services 54.29%
e.    Construction 47.56%
f.    Logistics 15.51%
3.    Decreases of temporary agency labour usage by sector:
a.    Manufacturing  -5.67%
b.    Care -16.05%
4.    ONS employment figures are due out on 13 April 2011