The Canadian staffing index edged down 2% from August but rose 3% compared with September of last year. The index, which measures staffing activity in Canada, fell to a reading of 108 from a reading of 110 in August. The number of working days in September this year was unchanged when compared to last year.

“The 3% year-over-year increase in the index is a positive sign for the Canadian staffing industry, which has showed scant signs of growth in overall billed hours in recent years,” said Timothy Landhuis, research manager at Staffing Industry Analysts. “We will be closely watching the index calculation for October to see if the momentum continues.”

Staffing Industry Analysts produces the index on behalf of the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services.