France’s temporary employment rises for first time since 2022

Temporary employment in France grew by 0.5% in May compared to the previous year. This marks the first positive annual shift in this metric since December 2022, following a 1.1% decline reported in April.

Data from the Prism'emploi barometer indicates this change remains cautious. The association notes that the figure suggests a continuation of the stabilization phase seen since the final quarter of 2025 rather than a sudden shift in market trends. Analysts also advise interpreting the May results with care due to the impact of public holidays and extended weekends during the period.

The service sector recorded a 6.2% increase, bolstered by gains in administrative support, hotels, and restaurants. The industrial sector also showed growth at 1.4%, with aerospace and defense acting as key drivers. However, other areas faced continued pressure. Construction saw a 5.8% decrease, while trade fell by 3.2% as sluggish household spending limited the demand for temporary staff. Transport and logistics also experienced a decline of 1.4%.

When looking at workforce categories, managers and intermediate professions saw growth of 2.6%, and the number of unskilled workers rose by 2.4%. Conversely, skilled workers and general employees saw declines of 1.0% and 1.5% respectively. Regional data showed significant growth in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes at 5.2% and Normandy at 4.6%, while Brittany recorded the sharpest regional decline at 7.1%.