The Canadian staffing index, which measures staffing activity in Canada, fell 12% in December on a year-over-year basis to a reading of 90.

“The index was sharply lower in December, signifying lower total volume of business, especially since the number of working days in the month was the same compared to a year ago,” said Timothy Landhuis, research director at Staffing Industry Analysts. “The lower index could be indicative of weaker macroeconomic conditions or could be the result of pullbacks specific to the firms reflected in the index.”

Compared to November, the index was down 23% in December.

The Canadian Staffing Index measures the hours of labor performed by a sampling of temporary and contract workers in the staffing industry. Staffing Industry Analysts produces the index on behalf of the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services.