Staffing employment for the week of Oct. 11–17 edged up 0.2% from the prior week—bringing the ASA Staffing Index to a rounded value of 105. This marks the fifth consecutive week that the index has maintained a value over 100. Several staffing firms mentioned temporary-to-hire conversions, in addition to Covid-19, as factors limiting further growth in temporary and contract staffing employment. Staffing jobs were up 23.3% from the same week last year.

New starts expanded 4.3% on average, with nearly half (47%) of staffing companies reporting gains in new assignments week-to-week.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average increased to a value of 104. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Oct. 17 was 25.4% higher than the same time frame in 2020.

“Temporary jobs appear to have rebounded at sustained levels, indicating strong demand for staffing services and an economy on the mend,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research.

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