Key Sectors Driving Temporary Recruitment in Europe in 2025

Vacancy Rates Highlight Europe’s Temporary Staffing Trends

While the broader economic outlook across Europe shows signs of cooling, job vacancy rates remain robust in specific industries that are critical to the functioning of the economy. According to Eurostat, vacancy rates in Q4 2024 stood at 2.3% in the EU and 2.5% in the Euro area. Structural demand, seasonal activity, and rapid technological and societal shifts continue to drive recruitment needs in key sectors.

In particular, Eurostat’s March 2025 release points to especially high vacancy rates in:

• Administrative and support service activities (which includes temporary employment agencies): 3.9% in the EU, 4.1% in the Euro area
• Construction: 2.9% in the EU, 3.2% in the Euro area
• Information and communication: 2.9% in the EU, 3.2% in the Euro area

In the UK, temporary employment also continues to gain traction. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK’s temporary workforce grew by 7.4% year-over-year in Q1 2025, reaching approximately 1.56 million workers. This rise occurred even as overall job vacancies fell—highlighting the increasing strategic importance of temporary staffing solutions for businesses.

Below are the sectors currently driving temporary recruitment across Europe and the UK:

Healthcare and Social Care

Facing ongoing pressure from ageing populations and workforce shortages, healthcare and social care remain major sources of temporary recruitment. Roles for nurses, care assistants, support workers, and allied health professionals are vital to ensuring service continuity and flexibility in hospitals, residential care homes, and community settings.

Logistics and Warehousing

Fuelled by the continued growth of e-commerce and global supply chain complexity, this sector consistently relies on temporary staffing. Roles such as warehouse operatives, pickers, packers, and drivers are frequently needed to manage fluctuating volumes, especially during seasonal peaks.

IT and Technology

The IT sector remains a significant user of temporary and contract staff. From cybersecurity and data analytics to software development, businesses regularly turn to temporary specialists for project-based work and rapid deployment. The rise of Statement of Work (SOW) contracts also supports flexible hiring in this field.

Hospitality and Tourism

Following a strong post-pandemic rebound, this sector continues to rely on temporary staffing. According to Eurostat, the EU recorded 2.92 billion overnight stays at tourist accommodation in 2023—surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Hotels, restaurants, event venues, and attractions across Europe increasingly depend on temporary workers to handle seasonal demand.

Construction and Manufacturing

Project-based timelines and varying demand in the construction sector create steady opportunities for temporary skilled labour. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector—including high-tech and robotics—often requires temporary workers to meet production targets or fill short-term skills gaps.

Other Active Sectors

Business support and administration roles also generate regular temporary recruitment needs, particularly for short-term projects or absence cover. Similarly, the driving sector continues to experience a shortage of qualified personnel, with temporary drivers in demand across transport and logistics functions.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

Despite economic uncertainty and changing regulatory landscapes, temporary recruitment remains a vital part of Europe’s labour market. For staffing agencies, the ability to align with sectors experiencing strong and consistent demand will be key to growth and resilience in 2025.