The Canadian staffing index, a measure of staffing activity in Canada, rose to a reading of 108 in July, up from an index value of 103 in June. However, the index fell 5% year over year from a reading of 113 in July 2015.

The index value of 100 corresponds to the size of the industry in July 2008, when the index began.

“Throughout 2015 we have observed a trend of moderate year-over-year declines in the Canadian staffing index,” said David Francis, research associate at Staffing Industry Analysts. “This trend continued in the month of July, while the number of working days remained constant year over year.”

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.