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BLS: Staffing Industry Continues on Growth Path

Staffing firms created 14,700 new jobs in December, up 0.5% from November and 7.8% from December 2013, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Year-to-year staffing job growth averaged 8.7% in 2014, compared with 6.4% in 2013.

Nonseasonally adjusted BLS data, which estimate the actual number of jobs in the economy, indicated that temporary help employment decreased 0.2% from November, yet increased 7.6% from the same month last year.

“In 2014, staffing employment experienced sustained growth as companies continued to add to their workforces and increase their strategic use of temporary and contract talent,” said Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association. “Current economic indicators suggest more good news for job seekers in the months ahead with an increasing number of employment opportunities and options for U.S. workers.”

Job Cuts Dipped in December

Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. News Release (01/08/15)

Payroll cuts declined for the second month in a row in December as employers anticipated firing 32,640 employees, down 9.2% from 35,940 planned layoffs in November, according to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. Employers announced a total of 483,171 job cuts last year, 5.0% fewer than in 2013 and the lowest annual total since 1997.

“Layoffs aren’t simply at prerecession levels; they are at pre-2001-recession levels. This bodes well for job seekers, who will not only find more employment opportunities in 2015, but will enjoy increased job security once they are in those new positions,” says John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Americans Gaining Confidence as Job Market Strengthens: Economy

Bloomberg Businessweek (01/08/15) Victoria Stilwell

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index rose from 42.7 the previous week to 43.6 in the week ended Jan. 4. It is the highest reading since October 2007. Consumer confidence is increasing as fewer people are laid off and more find jobs. Low gas prices and mortgage rates also are influencing consumer optimism. Employers are holding onto seasonal workers as the economy picks up, and the need to keep staff is likely to lift wages.

Free ASA Webinar Next Month—Understand Unemployment Insurance Laws

New unemployment insurance legislation means that responding to unemployment insurance claims is a critical matter of compliance. Learn about the potential employer penalties for failing to comply with unemployment insurance claim requests, and the documentation your firm needs for support of claim responses, during the ASA webinar “The Unemployment Insurance Integrity Mandate—How New Laws Affect Staffing Firms.” It takes place Tuesday, Feb. 10, 3–4 p.m. Eastern time.

All ASA webinars are free for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

Welcome New ASA Members

The ASA board of directors and staff welcome the following new members, which joined during the week of Dec. 29.

Arrow Personnel

Hurst, TX

Elite Health Solutions

Shreveport, LA

RhiredStaffing LLC

Anaheim, CA

Star Services Inc.

Saint Paul, MN