Temporary agency work and fixed-term contracts from an international perspective: Priority for unchecked growth?

Abstract

This paper examines the spread of temporary agency work and fixed-term contracts in Europe from an international perspective as forms of earning a living. It analyzes the links between the extent of temporary agency work/fixed-term contracts and country-specific protection regulations against the unlawful dismissal of permanent employees. The conclusion arrived at by the authors is that fixed-term contracts and temporary agency work is spread, defined and regulated by laws and central bargaining agreements in a variety of ways in Europe. By international comparison there would appear to be a connection between protection against unlawful dismissal for permanent employees and the incidence of fixed-term working contracts: the stricter the regulations, the higher the share of fixed-term working contracts tends to be. However, from the authors' point of view there is no clear relationship between temporary agency work and legal protection against dismissal. What seems more important is the extent to which the temporary agency sector is traditionally established and general acceptance for this type of employment. According to the authors, the - by international comparison - 'relatively liberal' regulations for the temporary agency sector in German suggests that temporary agency work will continue to play an important role in company personnel policy in the future. (IAB)

Cite article

Bellmann, L., Hohendanner, C. & Kühl, A. (2008): Leiharbeit und Befristungen international: Vorfahrt für ungebremstes Wachstum? In: IAB-Forum No. 1, p. 32-37.