Santa Rosa Press Democrat (California) (06/03/12) Cathy Bussewitz

Experts say a jump in temporary staffing typically is the first sign of a recovering economy, and many companies that shed staff during the recession are now turning to temporary employees. However, Robert Eyler of Sonoma State University’s Center for Regional Economic Analysis says temporary jobs are being converted to permanent positions at a slower rate, as economic uncertainty makes employers hesitant to take on permanent employees and the benefits packages and training programs that come with them. In Sonoma County, CA, Nelson Staffing says more temporary employees are being hired in the wine industry, professional services, accounting, finance, tourism, and hospitality. However, fewer clerical jobs are available, and some health care firms are hesitant to hire permanent workers.