The use of temporary labour across UK government functions declined by 6.7% in Q2 2012 compared to the previous year, although there was a double digit percentage increase in two regions, according to Comensura research.

Supply management specialist Comensura surveyed 80 clients across the UK, finding that overall in Q2 temps were employed for 9,002 full-time equivalent working weeks, down from 9,647.1 previously.

The biggest drop was in the North-East, at 46.4%, while double digit drops were also seen in the East of England and London, but overall five out of 10 regions actually saw increases in temp usages, the most significant being in the South-West at 12.4% and the West Midlands at 11.6%.

There were rises in the number of temps working in construction (64.4%), professional (34%), sales (33%), call centre (12.3%), legal (6.9%) and office & admin (3.8%) sectors.

Overall, hourly pay was up by 10.2% to £15.54, and while three job classifications saw wages drop, the only decline of more than 5% was legal.