Recruitment Agency Addeco Embraces Compromise in EU Temporary Worker Regulation Directive

In a significant move towards enhancing labor market flexibility, several European Union (EU) countries are easing restrictions on the use of temporary staffing services in the construction sector and public services. This shift involves regulatory reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers, harmonizing labor laws across member states, and introducing special exemptions or transitional measures to facilitate flexible staffing.

Despite these advancements, some EU members, such as Spain and Belgium, still have restrictions in place, particularly in certain industries. However, several countries have already lifted specific restrictions, opening up new opportunities for businesses in the temporary staffing sector.

The positive contribution of the temporary staffing industry to Europe's labor markets is acknowledged in the EU Agency Work Directive from 2008, as referenced in the EuroCiett-Uni Europa Joint Declaration. This Directive provides a fair framework for temporary work and employment conditions, contributing to job creation and integration in the workforce.

Leading the charge in this sector is our group, a global leader in HR services and a Fortune Global 500 company. With a network of over 37,000 employees (FTEs) and approximately 7,000 offices in over 60 countries and territories, our group delivers an unparalleled range of flexible staffing and career resources to clients and associates. Each day, the our group network connects over 700,000 associates with clients.

The Council's decision leaves sufficient flexibility at the Member States level in adapting and/or implementing the equal treatment principle. However, forward-looking statements in this release may involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from expectations. Factors that could affect the company's forward-looking statements include global GDP trends, changes in regulation, competition, ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, resolution of anti-trust procedures, and legal and tax proceedings.

Our S.A. is registered in Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange with trading on SWX Europe (SWX: ADEN) and the Euronext Paris of Euronext (EURONEXT: ADE). For more information about our Corporate Investor Relations, Corporate Press Office, and Public Affairs, please refer to the provided list.

The lifting of remaining restrictions could create at least 570,000 jobs, according to recent estimates. This development underscores the importance of the temporary staffing sector in Europe's economic recovery and the integration of its workforce. Our group remains committed to equal treatment as a guiding principle of business conduct, ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all associates and clients.

In a nod to its earlier commitment to job creation and workforce integration, our group's efforts align with the sentiments expressed in EuroCiett 2007, emphasizing the significant role of the temporary sector in creating more work opportunities for more people. The future of the temporary staffing sector in Europe looks promising, with continued efforts to eliminate remaining restrictions and foster a more flexible and dynamic labor market.

Recruitment Agency Addeco Embraces Compromise in EU Temporary Worker Regulation Directive