The uncertain economy continued to affect demand for staffing in the fourth quarter, Kelly Services Inc. (KELYA, KELYB) reported today. Fourth-quarter revenue fell 1.3% in constant currency at the Troy, Michigan-headquartered staffing giant. However, Kelly’s education staffing business was a bright spot, with revenue jumping 27.1% year over year.

“In the fourth quarter, we captured steady demand in education and most of our outcome-based specialties in [professional and industrial], which continue to demonstrate resilience amid a challenging operating environment,” President and CEO Peter Quigley said in a press release.

Kelly’s fourth-quarter earnings report includes international operations in Europe, which the company sold to Gi Group Holdings S.p.A. in a deal that closed Jan. 2. The sale involved Kelly’s European staffing business only; the company continues to provide its MSP, RPO and functional service provider offerings in Europe.

By segment

Revenue fell 11.5% in Kelly’s professional and industrial segment, which includes staffing in industrial, contact center and office/clerical. Revenue also fell 5.2% in constant currency in its science, engineering and technology segment, which includes staffing in engineering, science and clinical, technology and telecom.

Kelly’s outsourcing and consulting segment — which includes MSP, RPO, payroll process outsourcing and consulting — saw revenue fall 3.3% in constant currency in the fourth quarter.

Perm placement revenue decreased 38.9% on a constant currency basis to $11.7 million.

Quigley noted the sale of its European operations opened up $100 million of capital.

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Share price

KELYA shares were up 7.04% to $22.97 as of 1:14 p.m. Eastern time today. They hit a new 52-week high during today’s trading session when they reached $23.07.