The Canadian staffing index, a measure of staffing activity in Canada, rose to a reading of 115 in July, a 5 percent increase from the June index value of 110 and matching its fourth-highest reading on record. The July index value also increased 5 percent year over year from a reading of 110 in July 2012.

“The July value of 115 is up 5 percent from a year ago, which represents modest or flat expansion in demand given that there was one additional working day this July compared to a year ago,” said Timothy Landhuis, research analyst at Staffing Industry Analysts. “So far in the first half of 2013, the index suggests that growth in overall demand year-over-year is either taking a pause or growing at best modestly.”

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.