Staffing employment for the week of Jan. 11–17 was up 2.8% from the prior week, according to the ASA Staffing Index. Staffing jobs appear to have rebounded from the December holidays and are at a solid level thus far in 2021—nearly 1% above week two of 2020. Six in 10 staffing firms (59%) reported increased temporary and contract employment.

While new starts were down (-2.2% on average), 86% of staffing companies reported gains in new assignments week to week.

Factoring in the December holidays, the ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average was relatively unchanged at a value of 83. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Jan. 17 was only 0.1% lower than the same period last year.

“Staffing employment levels are promising so far in 2021—showing nascent signs of recovery,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research.

This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the January monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Feb. 5.