Staffing employment declined in the week of Dec. 12–18, decreasing by 2%, but the ASA Staffing Index held at a rounded value of 106. Staffing companies mentioned several factors—including a holiday and inclement weather—as barriers preventing further growth. Staffing jobs were up 0.3% from the same week last year.
New starts fell in the 50th week of the year, decreasing by 10% from the prior week. Close to four in 10 staffing companies (35%) reported gains in new assignments week-to-week.
The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average edged down from the prior week to hold at a rounded value of 106, as temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Dec. 18 was 0.2% higher than the same period in 2021.
“Staffing employment remains slightly above the level seen at this time in 2021, with the usual holiday trends seemingly taking hold,” said Scott Vanderbilt, ASA senior director of research.
This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the December monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Jan. 6.
