The Netherlands witnessed a "substantial increase" in temporary roles during the second quarter of 2010.

According to figures from the central statistics office, the number of hours worked by people in such jobs rose by almost five per cent during the period in question, compared with the previous three months.

The seasonally-adjusted index for temporary work rose from 102.3 for the first quarter of the year to 107.3 for the quarter to June.

It marks the first increase in hours worked in such positions, indicating that demand for these employees is picking up.

This is supported by a survey from Statistics Netherlands suggesting providers of temp jobs are more optimistic about the future of the market.

New figures from the body also show that growth in social assistance benefits to those under the age of 65 slowed during the second quarter of 2010, expanding by 8,000 during the three months to the end of June.

Posted by Alex Donnell