The Canadian staffing index, a measure of staffing activity in Canada, fell to a reading of 104 in January, down 2 percent from a reading of 106 in January a year ago. On a sequential basis, the index value rose 3 percent in January from the December index value of 101.

“The January value of 104 is down 2 percent from a year ago, which suggests some softness in demand as we start the year,” said Timothy Landhuis, senior research analyst at Staffing Industry Analysts. “Throughout 2013 the index displayed a trend of very minimal year-over-year growth in billed hours.”

The Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services and Staffing Industry Analysts produce the index. It is based upon reported billed hours for temporary staffing from a survey of leading staffing firms.