The rate of staffing employment growth slowed during the week of Jan. 13–19, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing 1.6% to a rounded value of 82. Staffing companies cited inclement weather as a primary factor that prevented further growth. Staffing jobs were 5.9% lower relative to the same period last year, narrowing the gap from 8.5% observed the previous week.
New starts also increased slightly in the third week of the year, up 2.3% from the prior week. Four in 10 staffing companies (41%) reported gains in new assignments week-to-week.
The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average eased again from the previous week, down to a rounded value of 78. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Jan. 19 was 8.0% below the same period in 2024.
“Staffing activity saw a modest start to 2025, hindered by the holidays and inclement weather,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. “However, the temporary headwinds handicapping further momentum within staffing activity are no match for the long-term tailwinds expected to drive growth throughout the year, including robust economic activity, declining labor costs, and increased business sentiment.”
This week will be used in the January monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Feb. 7.