Headline News
ASA for You
ASA Updates Certification Study Materials to Include ACA ContentASAPro Webinar Next Month—Improving Client Relationships
ASA Staffing Law Conference Nearly Sold Out—Register Now
Legal Watch ASA Member Content—Join/Log In
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Mandates Electronic Filing of Wage and Tax Reports
Wisconsin Enacts Law Blocking Employers From Obtaining Passwords
Trends and Research ASA Member Content—Join/Log In
Companies Say It’s Tougher to Keep Skilled Employees, New York Fed Survey Finds
Dangerously Stressful Work Environments Force Workers to Seek New Employment
American Workers Struggle to Fully Enjoy Their Time Out of the Office
Headline News
ASA: Fed Reports Economic Activity Increased Around Most of the U.S.
American Staffing Association (04/17/14)
Economic activity increased in most regions of the U.S. in the early spring, according to the Federal Reserve Board’s latest report on regional economies (known as the “beige book”). Consumer spending and manufacturing increased in most districts. Labor market conditions were mixed but generally positive, and several districts reported difficulty finding skilled workers. Two major New York staffing firms reported that labor demand has strengthened, especially in the financial sector, and a company in Minnesota noted an increase in the rate of temporary employees becoming permanent hires.
Jobless Claims in U.S. Hover Near Lowest Level Since 2007
Bloomberg (04/17/14) Victoria Stilwell
The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the week ended April 12 rose by 2,000 to 304,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast claims of 315,000. The four-week moving average of new claims dropped by 4,750 to 312,000, the lowest level since October 2007.
Yellen Says Job Weakness Forestalls Raising Rates
New York Times (04/16/14) Nelson D. Schwartz
U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Janet Yellen said in a speech yesterday that she expects interest rates to remain very low until the recovery is on more secure footing and the American economy more fully engages available workers and other resources. The housing and auto industry is rebounding, but a healthy and robust job market is “more than two years away,” she said. She noted that the risk of inflation rising above the Fed’s 2.0% target is less of a danger than too little inflation.
Even though the unemployment rate is at 6.7% and continues to fall, Yellen said that other indicators demonstrate a less healthy job market with more people taking on just part-time work and a large portion of workers dropping out of the workforce altogether. Yellen said the Fed must remain “nimble” to respond to the “twists and turns” of a slowly recovering economy.
ASA for You
ASA Updates Certification Study Materials to Include ACA Content
Keeping pace with employment law changes can be a challenge for busy staffing professionals. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Internal Revenue Service released final rules on the “play or pay” laws related to the Affordable Care Act. As your partner in professional development, ASA has already updated its certification programs to reflect these changes.
More than 6,000 staffing and recruiting professionals across the nation have earned Certified Staffing Professional®, Technical Services CertifiedSM, and Certified Search Consultant® credentials, and are touting this competitive advantage with their clients. Why not compete on the same level and join them today? Becoming certified will help you stay abreast of current state and federal employment laws, strengthen your consultative relationship with your clients, and boost your earning potential by investing in your professional development.
Individuals who are currently studying for the CSP® or TSCSM exam received a link to the updated study materials. If you have questions, contact ASA at asacertification@americanstaffing.net or 703-253-2020.
ASAPro Webinar Next Month—Improving Client Relationships
Are you looking for ways to take your client relationships to the next level? Learn how to bring clients through the sales process effectively during the ASAPro webinar “What Every Staffing Professional Should Know About Earning Commitments From Clients.” It takes place Tuesday, May 6, 3–4 p.m. Eastern time.
ASAPro webinars are $295 for nonmembers and qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. Join ASA and enjoy ASAPro webinars for FREE.
ASA Staffing Law Conference Nearly Sold Out—Register Now
Don’t miss the 2014 ASA Staffing Law Conference, May 21–22 in Washington, DC. Last year’s conference attracted a sold-out crowd, and limited seating remains for this year’s event—the premier program dedicated to the legal issues affecting the staffing and recruiting business.
The conference agenda includes a panel discussion on the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate, a look at the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s temporary worker safety initiative, and a preview of the upcoming congressional elections.
Visit americanstaffing.net today for session descriptions, travel and hotel details, and to register. ASA members receive a discount, so join today and save.
