January 22, 2020

ASA Staffing Index: Staffing Employment Lower Than Expected in January

Published January 22, 2020 ■ Announcement

Staffing jobs for the week of Jan. 6–12 surged 6.0% from the prior week, increasing to a value of 87, according to the ASA Staffing Index. Staffing employment was down 7.2% from the same week last year and below the average value of 90 seen over the past decade for the second week of the year.

Survey respondents cited the lingering effect of the holidays as a factor impeding further growth.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average decreased to a value of 85. Staffing jobs for the four weeks ending Jan. 12 were down 6.7% from the same period in 2019.

This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the January monthly employment situation report that will be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Feb. 7.

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Ortoli | Rosenstadt: What Exactly Is a Seller Responsible for When Selling Its Staffing Firm?

Buyers of a business generally expect sellers to be responsible for certain liabilities relating to when the seller owned its business—a concept mergers and acquisitions professionals refer to as indemnification. Indemnification is one of the most heavily negotiated, and potentially most significant, provisions of a purchase agreement, and understanding the terminology common to such agreements is essential when negotiating a deal. Attorney Paul Pincus of Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP explains what sellers are liable for, how a seller’s liability may be limited, and how buyers may seek to fund potential indemnity claims.

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ADP: U.S. Wage Growth Held Steady in Fourth Quarter 2019

Published January 22, 2020 ■ Headline News

Wages for U.S. workers grew 3.2% over the last year, increasing the average wage level by $0.88 to $28.93 an hour, according to the ADP Research Institute Workforce Vitality Report. The wage growth of 3.2% corresponds to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics number of 2.9% that was published this month.

“The final quarter of 2019 was marked with a slight deceleration in job growth, and wage growth was unchanged,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, co-head of the ADP Research Institute. “Wage growth for holders and entrants decelerated, whereas switchers experienced acceleration.”

Earlier this year, job holders, job switchers, and entrants saw wage growth of 5.0% or better; however, job holders are now seeing only 4.6% growth, entrants stand at 4.9%, and switchers 5.0%.

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Free ASA Webinar Tomorrow—Keeping Workers Safe

Published January 22, 2020 ■ ASA for You

Don’t miss tomorrow’s ASA webinar “Keeping Your Workers Safe and Your Firm Compliant, Part 1,” 2–3:30 p.m. Eastern time. Find out how to keep your temporary workers safe during the first session in a three-part webinar series focusing on temporary worker safety and legal compliance.

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.

Resources on Diverse-Owned Businesses Available for ASA Members

Published January 22, 2020 ■ ASA for You

Staffing companies—particularly small businesses and minority-, veteran-, LGBT-, and woman-owned businesses—find they may be able to partner with larger companies that have supplier diversity initiatives in place.

The ASA inclusion, diversity, equality, and advocacy (IDEA) group has developed guidance for ASA members interested in partnering with those companies or in becoming a diverse-owned certified business.

Visit americanstaffing.net/diversity for a directory of diversity certification organizations, a glossary of common terms, and more.