The American Staffing Association’s staffing index rose to a reading of 97.26 in the week of Sept. 11 to Sept. 17, surpassing a value of 97 for the first time this year. Staffing employment was up 1.89% compared to the same week last year.

Temporary and contract staffing employment was 1.46% higher than the prior week, with some survey respondents citing temporary-to-hire conversions and the effect of hurricane activity as conditions that hindered growth.

The index’s four-week moving average rose to 96.24, remaining at or above a value of 96 for the past six periods. Year over year, the four-week average rose edged up 0.98%.