Part-time work in the Balearics declines with visitor numbers

PALMA
THERE have been 12'000 less part-time jobs for people in the Balearics this summer season.
With the recession affecting hotel occupancy rates and therefore levels of employment, companies have adjusted their contract terms to coincide with the months when there is high demand. As a result, instead of seasonal work beginning in April, it began a month later this year in May.

A report published yesterday by a part-time employment watchdog, Agett, showed that tourism in the Balearic Islands is a major influence on levels of seasonal work with 45.1 percent of contracts concentrated into the months of April, May, June and July. Analysed according to months, 32'443 contracts for part-time work were signed in May this year which contrasts strongly with the 43'203 who did the same during May last year (10'760 less), a downturn of 25 percent. In June, there were 33'804 this year, 1'240 less than in 2008. The figures confirm that the tourist season - in terms of local employment - is running one month behind. Still awaiting the outcome of July this year, the comparison will be with the same month in 2008 when 36'605 people picked up seasonal work.