Staffing employment inched up during the week of March 9–15, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing slightly, by 0.1%, to a rounded value of 87. Staffing companies cited no one particular factor that hindered growth. Staffing jobs were 5.3% higher compared with the same period last year, up half a point from 4.8% recorded the previous week.

New starts also increased in the 11th week of the year, up 5.2% from the prior week. A little over one-third of staffing companies (35%) reported gains in new assignments week to week, below the average of 41% last year.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average improved from the previous week but held at a rounded value of 86. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending March 15 was 4.0% higher than during the same period in 2025.

“Economic uncertainty is driving employers to flexible, short-term staffing at levels we haven’t seen since 2024,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. “In the midst of a tepid hiring market, the staffing and recruiting industry is showing its continued resilience while providing employers with an option for strategic growth.”

This week will be used in the March monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics April 3.