The number of workers employed per week by the US staffing industry fell 1.4% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association. US staffing companies employed an average of 3.13 million temporary and contract workers per week in the second quarter.

Sequentially, staffing employment typically peaks in the fourth quarter, declines in the first quarter, and grows in subsequent quarters. That seasonal pattern held, with staffing employment up by 1.9% from the first quarter.

“Average weekly staffing employment has exceeded three million for 13 consecutive quarters,” said ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist. “Although demand remains healthy for temporary and contract employees across most sectors, staffing companies are facing the same shortages of qualified talent as other businesses.”

The ASA staffing employment and sales survey is conducted on a quarterly basis, covering approximately 10,000 establishments.