Demand for temps continues to fall

The demand for temporary workers in Belgium continues to fall, Staffing Industry reports. Temporary staff worked fewer hours last month compared to same period in 2011, according to data from the Belgian Federation of Staffing Agencies (Federgon). For November, the number of hours put in by temporary workers fell by 11.87 percent year-on-year (compared to a 9.15 percent drop in October 2012). Blue collar workers in particular have been hit by the downturn, seeing a 15.7 percent fall in activity levels. For white collar workers,  the deterioration was not as steep, with a decline of 5.97 percent. The Federgon index was down 10.8 percent  at 201.7 points in November compared to 226.1 in November 2011 and 205.0 points in October 2012. This index reflects the level of business in the month concerned in comparison with the situation in January 1995 (base 100) on the basis of seasonally adjusted data. The index is at its lowest level since March 2010.  On a monthly basis In November 2012, the number of hours worked by temporary agency workers was 1.57 percent lower than a month earlier (seasonally adjusted data, corrected for calendar effects). The blue collar segment declined by 2.12 percent, and the white collar segment decreased by 0.84 percent. According to data from the National Bank of Belgium in the manufacturing industry, there was a further slight decline in confidence among business leaders. Finished product stock levels were considered to be well below those of the previous month. In addition, entrepreneurs are expecting less market demand and a decrease of their workforces over the next three months. The business situation also weakened in the building industry, mainly as a result of downward trends in order books and equipment used. By contrast, the business climate has picked up in business-related services, following three successive decreases. Finally, in the trade sector, the indicator rose as a result of an upward revision of expectations for demand and employment.