ASA Staffing Index Monthly Report, October 2018
Staffing employment contracted 0.6% the week of Oct. 8–14, according to the ASA Staffing Index, edging back down to a rounded value of 102. Despite the week-to-week decline—which some survey respondents attribute to the Columbus Day holiday and inclement weather—the index registered at the highest level for the 41st week of the year since 2014. Temporary and contract staffing employment was 3.5% higher than the same week last year, which also included Columbus Day.
This week, containing the 12th, will be used in the October monthly employment situation report that will be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Nov. 2.
The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average remained unchanged at a rounded figure of 102—the strongest reading for the same span of weeks since right before the Great Recession. Staffing employment for the four weeks ending Oct. 14 grew 4.1% year-to-year.
A report on the weekly ASA Staffing Index is publicly released every month based on a survey panel of staffing companies curated by ASA. Participants in and subscribers to the ASA Staffing Index gain access to additional results and historical data each week. To participate in or subscribe to the ASA Staffing Index, go to americanstaffing.net/staffing-index.
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About the American Staffing Association (ASA)
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
