Staffing employment improved during the week of July 8–14, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing by 5.2% to reach a rounded value of 88. The week before Independence Day, the index was at a rounded value of 90. Staffing jobs were down 12.7% compared with the same week last year. Many staffing companies still listed the July Fourth holiday as a barrier that prevented further growth.

New starts saw a very large increase in the 28th week of the year—leaping by 30.0% from the prior week.  Six in 10 staffing companies (60%) reported gains in new assignments week-to-week—well above the average of 42% per week so far this year.

This week, containing the 14th day of the month, will be used in the July monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Aug. 2.