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Pulse: Temp staffing over-year growth slowest since 2010

April 01, 2013

Temporary staffing year-over-year revenue growth decelerated to 7 percent in February from 15 percent in January, according to March’s Pulse Survey update by Staffing Industry Analysts. February’s year-over-year growth rate for temporary staffing was the lowest since February 2010. However, month-to-month trends showed “widespread” improvement compared to “mild” improvement” in January.

“The Pulse results appear, on first glance, to be mixed: for overall temp staffing, year-over-year results are down, but month-to-month trends are improving. However, the typical seasonal pattern is for month-to-month trends to worsen in November or December, and to rebound in February and March. Taking this into account, Pulse results are worrisome,” said Research Analyst Robert Balicki. “This pattern was also seen in most other segments tracked. Engineering/design and direct hire stood out as bright spots.”

Engineering/design staffing firms reported estimated year-over-year aggregate revenue increased to 14 percent in February from 13 percent in January. For direct hire, estimated year-over-year aggregate revenue growth accelerated to 25 percent in February from 17 percent in January.

Pulse Survey results are based on a monthly survey of staffing firms; February’s survey included data submitted by individuals from 111 companies.

The full Pulse report is available to firms that take part in the survey. For more information, contact Robert Balicki at rbalicki@staffingindustry.com.