Staffing employment edged down during the week of May 12–18, with the ASA Staffing Index decreasing 0.4% to hold at a rounded value of 84. Staffing companies cited no primary factor that hindered further growth. Staffing jobs were 5.6% lower relative to the same period last year, equivalent to the year-to-year gap observed the previous week.

New starts also edged down in the 20th week of the year, decreasing 1.8% from the prior week. One-third of all staffing companies (34%) reported gains in new assignments week to week, below the average of 42% so far in 2025.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average increased from the previous week to hold at a rounded value of 84. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending May 18 was 5.5% below the same period in 2024.

“Despite minor turbulence, staffing employment has experienced a steady ascent throughout 2025,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. “A modest rise in the four-week moving average coupled with steady weekly levels of employment suggest the industry is gradually regaining its footing despite a challenging economic landscape.”

This week will be used in the May monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics June 6.