This paper studies the determinants of temporary employment in 19 European countries using micro-level data drawn from the European Social Survey. The analysis shows that temporary employment is a stepping-stone to a permanent job. In addition, temporary employees work less than their permanent counterparts with reference to working time, which decreased their potential wages. From another hand, past unemployment episodes are likely to reduce considerably the chance of being re-employed on a permanent work arrangement. Finally, compared to other work arrangements, temporary employment is more often devoted to immigrant workers while national citizens are more likely to hold part time jobs. However, some points of convergence characterize part-time and fixed-term contracts. Women are more frequently associated with these two forms of flexibility.
