The American Staffing Association's index measuring temporary employment edged up in September to 97 from 96 in August. However, the index is down 11 points in September from the same period in 2007.

The index measures changes in the number of temporary and contract employees both weekly and monthly. The monthly change is calculated using data from the week that includes the 12th day of the month. Its baseline value of 100 was set in June 2006.