The most notable findings

Since the end of 2024, the share of freelancers and seconded professionals has declined. The number of assignments is also decreasing, while clients receive more applications per assignment. Despite this development, average hourly rates remain high and continue to track inflation.

The figures vary significantly by sector. In four of the five sectors examined, the share of external professionals is declining. Only in logistics, transport & production is this share growing. Below, we take a closer look at the four most notable findings.

At the end of 2024, 22% of the highly educated labour market consisted of freelancers and seconded professionals. By the second quarter of 2026, this share had fallen to 18%. This represents approximately 775,000 professionals.

Since 2022, the number of assignments has declined. In Q2 2026, it was 55% lower than at the beginning of 2022, while applications per assignment were more than three times higher.

The flexible workforce is developing very differently across sectors. In local government, the share of professionals fell from 13% in 2022 to 7% in 2026. Logistics, transport & production is the only sector examined where the share is growing: from 8% to 12%.

Despite fewer assignments and increased competition, average hourly rates remain high. At the beginning of 2026, they peaked at more than €104 per hour. Central government pays the highest rates of the sectors examined, with an average hourly rate of more than €111 per hour.

Who is this Talent Monitor for?

This Talent Monitor provides insights into external hiring across central government, local government, energy & utilities, financial services, and logistics, transport & production.

For each sector, you can see how the share of professionals, number of assignments and competition are developing. You will also find insights into rates, age, experience levels and willingness to move into permanent employment.

These insights support HR professionals, recruiters, hiring managers and policymakers in making decisions about external hiring and workforce planning.