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Global Employment and Recruitment Industry Shows Strong Growth

The staffing industry in the U.S. continues to be the strongest in the world, according to the latest Economic Report released today by the International Confederation of Private Employment Agencies, known as Ciett (its acronym in French). ASA is a member of Ciett.

The biggest market for temporary and contract work is the U.S. (11 million people); China is close behind with 10.8 million people. The global employment and recruitment industry grew by 9.6% in 2013, the most recent figures available. In total, 60.9 million people gained access to the labor market through the employment and recruitment industry in 2013—some 40.2 million were engaged in staffing firm work. These data demonstrate that the employment and recruitment industry has bounced back strongly from the global recession and is playing a pivotal role in getting people into work and keeping them there.

The Conference Board Employment Trends Index Increased in January

Conference Board News Release (02/09/15)

The Conference Board Employment Trends Index increased in January to 127.86, up from a downwardly revised 127.17 in December. This represents a 7.6% gain in the ETI compared with a year ago.

“The [ETI] suggests that strong job growth is likely to continue through the first half of the year,” says Gad Levanon, managing director of macroeconomic and labor market research at the Conference Board. “As a result, wage growth will accelerate, thereby increasing pressure on profitability which is already suffering from low productivity growth and the strong dollar.”

Job Market Looks Ripe for Liftoff

Wall Street Journal (02/06/15) Josh Mitchell

Over the past three months, which was the best 90-day period of hiring since 1997, the economy has created more than one million jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Average hourly earnings increased 0.5% in January and are 2.2% higher than the same time last year. However, these wage gains are still historically weak compared with income growth before the recession.

“The economy seems to be moving full steam ahead,” says Sung Won Sohn, an economist at California State University Channel Islands. Following years of tepid growth, “I think it’s the beginning of a healthy recovery.”

Labor Makes a Strong Case for U.S. Growth

Wall Street Journal (02/06/15) Justin Lahart

U.S. payrolls increased by 257,000 in January, up from the 237,000 forecast by economists. Gross domestic product grew by a 2.6% annual rate during the fourth quarter of 2014, and is expected to expand 2.4% in the first quarter of 2015. The data could indicate that productivity may be contracting but more likely demonstrates that the economy is expanding faster than the current data show.

Fed’s Rate Dilemma: Job Gains vs. Low Inflation

Wall Street Journal (02/06/15) Jon Hilsenrath

U.S. Federal Reserve officials are struggling to determine how hot they can let the strengthening labor market run before raising short-term interest rates from near zero. Although the market is showing signs of improvement, low wage growth and inflation remain. Fed chairman Janet Yellen will discuss lifting interest rates with colleagues during a two-day policy meeting starting on March 18. The bank will be “patient” when it comes to raising rates.

Free ASA Webinar Tomorrow—Understand Unemployment Insurance Laws

Don’t miss tomorrow’s ASA webinar “The Unemployment Insurance Integrity Mandate—How New Laws Affect Staffing Firms,” 3–4 p.m. Eastern time. Learn how new unemployment insurance legislation mandates how your firm should respond to unemployment insurance claims.

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

Contribute to the Dialogue During ASA Webinars

Tomorrow you’ll be able not just to attend an ASA webinar, but also to discuss it with fellow attendees while you watch.

ASA will launch a new live-tweeting function during the Feb. 10 webinar, “The Unemployment Insurance Integrity Mandate—How New Laws Affect Staffing Firms.” Follow @staffingtweets on Twitter and use the hashtag #ASAWebLive to offer your thoughts and perspectives about the webinar’s content—in real time. As a bonus, the first 10 participants to contribute meaningful tweets to the discussion will win a Starbucks gift card.

Reserve Your Spot at the ASA Staffing Law Conference

The ASA Staffing Law Conference is the only event dedicated exclusively to the legal and regulatory issues facing staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions companies. This event has sold out the past two years—secure your seat today for this year’s conference, April 28–29 at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in metro Washington, DC. ASA-certified professionals can earn up to 9.5 continuing education hours, including 8.25 hours of legal CE.

The featured speaker is nationally renowned political strategist and commentator Karl Rove. In an exclusive session for ASA Staffing Law Conference attendees, he’ll discuss the business outlook under the 114th Congress, examine the potential strengths and pitfalls for prospective presidential candidates in the 2016 race for the White House, and share his insights into American politics.

Review the full agenda and register today at staffinglawconference.net.