The Norwegian staffing industry is experiencing its sharpest downturn since 2009 as the labour market toughens, according to the Norwegian Federation of Service Industries (NHO Service). 

A statement from the service said the downturn, experienced since the second quarter last year, is the sharpest since the global financial crisis, though not as dramatic as during the crisis. 

It also notes a long time “gradual weakening” of the market associated with higher wage costs, decreased oil prices and a “cooling” of the Norwegian economy, as well as highest unemployment since 2009.

The worst affected industries were manufacturing, office and administration, technical services, and construction.

Activity in the education, healthcare and finance, however, increased. 

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