Staffing employment rose slightly in the week of April 10–16, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing by 0.1% but holding at a rounded value of 97. Several staffing companies mentioned a holiday as a barrier preventing further growth. Staffing jobs were 6.8% below the same week last year.
The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average nudged down from the prior week but held at a rounded value of 98, and temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending April 16 was 7.1% lower than the same period in 2022.
New starts in the 15th week of the year increased by 2.5% from the prior week. Four in 10 staffing companies (40%) reported week-to-week gains in new assignments.
“Staffing employment has softened since the beginning of February, but current levels still remain above those seen in 2021,” said Tim Hulley, ASA assistant director of research.
This week will be used in the April monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 5.