News

3/1/2010 — Good News....companies are hiring

Good News….companies are hiring!

The latest job numbers released in February by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that temporary help employment increased by 52,000 new jobs (2.7%), seasonally adjusted, from December to January—making it the strongest January in the 20 years BLS has been measuring temporary help. While overall U.S. nonfarm employment was relatively unchanged, temporary help services and retail trade were two economic sectors that managed to add a significant number of jobs during this monthly period.

BLS commissioner Keith Hall noted the steady employment gains that have occurred in temporary help since its most recent low point in September 2009. He also emphasized that staffing has added nearly 250,000 jobs over the past four months.

"ASA members are reporting increases in demand for temporary and contract employees across virtually all sectors throughout the country," says Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association. "Because staffing is a leading employment indicator, the continued uptick in temporary employment bodes well for overall job growth."  The overall unemployment rate fell from 10% to 9.7%.

For employers who have been enjoying the wealth of talent available,  and  possibly paying reduced wages for that premium talent,  be aware that companies are slowing increasing their per hour wages.  As the unemployment rate comes down, expect this trend to continue.

--Todd Palmer