Third-quarter revenue in the U.S. employment services industry was $43.61 billion, down 7.0% from $46.92 billion in the third quarter of 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today.

In addition, the bureau reported third-quarter employment services revenue rose 6.9% from the second quarter of 2009.

The employment services industry category includes employment placement agencies, temporary help services and employee leasing.

The Census estimates are in sharp contrast to company reports and Staffing Industry Analysts' survey data. By comparison to the Census report, Staffing Industry Analysts estimates total staffing industry revenue will be down by 26% in 2009 from 2008.