ASA Staffing Index At Same Levels as 2007-2008

The American Staffing Association reported today that its weekly Staffing Index of temporary and contract employment increased to a year-to-date high of 93 for the week ending April 22, which was 9.4% above the year-ago level, almost 15% above the same week two years ago, and 2.2% above the previous week this year. For Week 17, it was the highest reading since 2008 (see top chart above), and just one point below the 94 index level for the comparable week in pre-recessionary 2007.As a leading indicator of future, broader-based employment levels, the upward trend in the ASA Staffing Index this year, and the fact that it's at comparable levels in 2007 and 2008 would suggest that improvements in labor market conditions will continue in the coming months.