Staffing employment increased slightly in the week of May 9–15, though it held at rounded value of 106. Up 0.2% from the previous week, the ASA Staffing Index remains near record highs for this time of the year. Businesses continue to cite Covid-19 as an obstacle to further growth, and several also mention lack of candidates. Staffing jobs were up 11.8% from the same week last year.

New starts also rose in the 19th week of the year, rising 2.5% from the prior week. About four in 10 staffing companies reported gains in new assignments week-to-week.

“Staffing employment continues its strong run into the second quarter of the year,” said Tim Hulley, ASA assistant director of research. “This week’s Staffing Index reading is the second-highest recorded this year and the eighth-highest ever measured.”

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