The number of workers employed per week by the US staffing industry rose 0.3% in the first quarter compared to the same period a year ago, according to data released by the American Staffing Association. And average weekly employment in the first quarter was the highest for any first quarter since 2006.

“Temporary and contract employment is an indicator of where the economy is today,” ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist said. “The good news at this stage in the current economic cycle is that staffing companies continue to report steady demand for temporary, contract and permanent employees, providing job seekers with employment opportunities across a variety of sectors.”

Staffing employment is typically strongest in the fourth quarter and weakest in the first.