"During the week of Oct. 18–24, 2010, temporary and contract employment increased 0.75%, pushing the ASA Staffing Index up one point to a value of 101. At a current index value of 101, U.S. staffing employment is 46% higher than the level reported for the first week of the current year and is 22% higher than the same weekly period in 2009 (see chart)."
MP: The 101 index reading for the Week 43 matches the same level for two weeks in March 2008, and reflects the strongest demand for contract, freelance and temporary employment since December 2007. As a leading indicator of nonfarm employment, the ongoing improvements in the nation's key barometer of temporary help signal future gains in permanent employment opportunities.
