ASA Staffing Index Reaches 94-Week High in July

The American Staffing Association (ASA) Staffing Index for temporary and contract employment activity reached a 94-week high of 94 for the week of July 26, the highest index level since a reading of 95 for the week of October 6, 2008 (see chart above, data here).

Compared to the same week last year, the latest ASA Staffing Index has improved by 27% for Week 31 (see bottom chart above). This marks the 15th week in a row with percentage gains above 20% compared to the same month in 2009, the 24nd straight week of double-digit percent increases vs. 2009, and the 30th consecutive week for the ASA Index being above the same level in the previous year (every week this year).

The ongoing gains in the ASA Staffing Index every week this year to a new 94-week high, along with the recent huge gains in online help wanted ads,translating into more broad-based, permanent job creation as we move forward, and a gradual decline in the nation's jobless rate.