The aim of this paper is to test whether or not a temporary help service (THS) job benefits workers in Japan. By applying the average treatment effect on the treated estimation and its sensitivity tests to the Japanese survey data, we obtained the following findings. First, we observed evidence that THS work negatively impacts the probability of permanent employment in subsequent waves, when compared to directly hired part-time employment. Second, THS workers earn a significantly higher hourly wage than those originally unemployed. For those seeking permanent employment in particular, THS work provides a quick way to make a living for up to two years. We conclude that THS work in Japan has provided a means to obtaining quick earnings but has not offered a stepping-stone to permanent employment.

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