And as in the U.S., Europe's temps aren't just doing reception work. Europe's rigid labor laws will be bypassed by the emergence of the temporary market,'' predicts Stephane Garelli, a professor at IMD, the Lausanne-based international school of management. All European nations except Greece have passed laws permitting temporary work. Italy became the latest convert when it lifted a legal ban in July, allowing 60 eager agencies to apply for licenses on Nov. 4. Regulations governing temporary work contracts vary from country to country, but most require agencies or employers to provide minimal benefits plus paid vacation days based on the amount of time worked.
Wages also vary depending on demand and industry.
American multinationals, sensitive to high labor costs in Europe, are leading the drive to outsource parts of their business to temporary workers, from human-resources management to production. But European companies aren't far behind. The temps may stay for up to three years. Such contracts let BMW Rolls-Royce replace workers whose skills aren't sufficient. That's difficult and costly once an employee has been on the job for three months.