BMO Capital Markets (01/03/12)

BMO Capital Markets predicts another good year for U.S staffing, with potential upside surprises. The firm’s latest industry outlook reports that U.S. temporary staffing grew at 10%, toward the low end of expectations in 2011, as U.S. economic growth slowed midyear. If the current uncertain economic environment continues, strong usage of temporary help should continue.

BMO Capital Markets projects temporary staffing revenues will increase at a 6%-8% rate in 2012, with annual growth accelerating to 7%-9% in 2013. Information technology staffing should be among the best performing sectors in 2012, with a 12% increase projected for 2012. BMO Capital Markets believes “much of this growth has been driven by a preference for employers to use contractors and temporary staff rather than add to the full-time hiring ranks for a segment of the work force typically viewed as ‘back office.'”