Moderate Gains in New Assignments
ASA Staffing Index Monthly Report, August 2021
Staffing jobs for the week of Aug. 9–15 edged up 0.4% from the previous week, with the ASA Staffing Index holding at this year’s highest value of 98. Average week-to-week staffing employment growth has held steady since the beginning of June, with exception of the anticipated Independence Day holiday dip. There were 30.6% more staffing jobs compared with the same week in 2020.
Following the surge from the prior week, new starts were up again—3.9% on average, with half (51%) of staffing companies reporting gains in new assignments week-to-week.
The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average held at a value of 98. Temporary and contract staffing employment from mid-July through mid-August grew 32% compared with the same period in 2020.
“Even with the midsummer dip in temporary and contract employment, demand for staffing services remains strong as we near the end of August,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research.
This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the August monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Sept. 3.
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.
For more information, follow ASA research on Twitter.
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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.
