Temporary worker numbers 'do not detract from unemployment fall'

The popularity of temporary working does not detract from the UK's recent drop in the number of jobless people.

This is according to Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), who criticised comments from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) that the volume of people in temporary positions gave the figures a "deceptively healthy" look.

According to the TUC, one in three temporary workers are in the position because they are unable to secure full-time work.

Mr Green hit out at the claims, pointing out that such positions can help people to develop new skills and experience, as well as giving them the confidence to access permanent jobs.

"There is nothing 'deceptively healthy' about the fact that temporary work provides an important bridge back into employment," he argued.

A quarter of firms surveyed by the REC earlier this week as part of its monthly Jobs Outlook report said they plan to take on more temporary staff over the next 12 months.

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