About

In many parts of the world, the last few years will be remembered as the most challenging in decades. The financial and economic crises hit agency work markets very hard, leading to a significant decrease in the number of agency workers in many countries. For the first time since 2003, the overall global annual sales revenues of the industry decreased, as well as the total number of agency workers.

This economic background did not prevent the Ciett organisation from being very active. On the contrary, the activities of a trade organisation should be counter-cyclical, aiming to achieve many new actions and developments in challenging times. Agency work plays - and still has the potential to play further - a valuable role in easing transitions within and to the labour market.

Agency work creates jobs that would otherwise not exist, enhancing companies’ competitiveness and workers’ employability, thereby promoting a labour market that corresponds better to peoples’ - and companies’ - needs and aspirations. Now more than ever, the agency work industry plays a key role in improving the functioning of the labour market, by facilitating the match between supply and demand of labour and providing more work opportunities for many people.

The Future of Agency Work

The Ciett organisation is optimistic about the future of Agency Work. In 2011 we continue looking forward and meeting our challenge head-on. This year our conference theme is "Full Steam Ahead" - the future of Agency Work.

The Ciett Annual World Employment Conference 2011 will be held in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) from May the 18th till the 20th. Our location is closely tied to this years theme as we will be hosting the international CIETT members on the historical Oceanliner 'De Rotterdam'.

A brief look into our agenda for 2011:

Not only will we be hosting the 2011 annual World Employment Conference, the ABU will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary. We look forward to share this special occasion with you during our annual conference.

I look forward to welcome you in Rotterdam next year!

Aart van der Gaag
Director ABU, the Netherlands