Staffing employment for the week of April 12–18 rose 1.4% from the prior week, increasing to a rounded value of 94, according to the ASA Staffing Index. Although there were 55.9% more temporary and contract jobs compared with the same week in 2020, staffing employment levels were steady (+0.3%) relative to the same period in 2019. Covid-19 continues to be mentioned as a factor limiting even further growth.
New starts inched up 0.3% on average, with just under half (47%) of staffing companies reporting gains in new assignments week-to-week.
The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average maintained a rounded value of 93, for the third consecutive reporting period. Temporary and contract staffing employment mid-March through mid-April expanded 44% compared with the pandemic lows during the same period in 2020.
“Staffing jobs are holding steady and are comparable with 2019 levels—strong evidence of the continued demand for staffing services following the pandemic, when employment plunged to historic lows,” said Cynthia Davidson, senior director of research for the American Staffing Association.
This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the April monthly employment situation report, which is scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 7.
