The Canadian staffing index, which measures staffing activity in Canada, fell 4% in January on a year-over-year basis to a reading of 102. However, the index was up 13% compared to December.

“The index value of 102 in January represents a rebound from the low volume of billed hours reported in December,” said Timothy Landhuis, research director at Staffing Industry Analysts. “Nevertheless, the January value is down modestly from its year-ago value, suggesting slightly weaker staffing volume for Canada as a whole.”

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.