The Canadian staffing index edged up 2% from September and also rose 2% when compared with October of last year. The index, which measures staffing activity in Canada, rose to a reading of 110 from a reading of 108 in September. The number of working days in October this year fell 5% when compared to last year.

“October was another encouraging month as the index was up 2% year over year despite there being one less working day this October versus the prior year month,” said Timothy Landhuis, research manager at Staffing Industry Analysts. “This represents another consecutive month of year-over-year growth in billed hours and may suggest that the Canadian staffing industry is gaining some traction.”

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