The number of workers employed per week by the US staffing industry in the third quarter was essentially flat, edging down 0.7% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association. US staffing companies employed an average of 3.22 million temporary and contract workers per week in the third quarter.

“Staffing companies and their clients continue to report talent shortages across many sectors,” said ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist. “The skills gap is real and growing. The development of new and more effective training, upskilling, and work-based learning programs must be a priority for state and federal government agencies and the business community in the year ahead.”

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