Staffing employment for the week of March 9–15 eased 0.6% from the prior week, edging down to a value of 85, according to the ASA Staffing Index. Survey respondents cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the main factor contributing to the contraction. Temporary and contract staffing jobs were down 8.1% from the same week last year and below the historical average of 88 for the comparative week.

The ASA Staffing Index average for the four weeks ending March 15 held at a rounded value of 86, although temporary and contract staffing jobs were down 7.2% from the same period in 2019.

This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the March monthly employment situation report scheduled that will be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics April 3.