Daily News

View All News

Beige Book: Temp demand on 'upward trend'

September 09, 2010

Demand for temporary staffing "remained on an upward trend" from mid-July through the end of August, according to the Federal Reserve Beige Book report released Wednesday.

Federal Reserve Districts in Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond VA and Minneapolis noted increases in temporary staffing. However, the Chicago district reported a slight softening in demand for the period.

Wage pressure remained modest, according to the report.

"Dallas reported that wage pressures were 'generally nonexistent,' with the exceptions of some airline and temporary workers," according to the report. "Hiring of permanent employees was held down in part by employers' reliance on temporary and contract workers, as reported by Philadelphia and Atlanta, although Boston noted that conversions from temporary to permanent staff picked up."

Overall, the Beige Book reported growth in economic activity from mid-July through the end of August. However, there were widespread signs of economic deceleration.