In November, the American Staffing Association's index measuring temporary employment fell to a reading of 90 from October's reading of 94. The index's decline points to a decrease in temporary and contract staffing during November.

"The increase in demand for temporary and contract employees that typically occurs throughout the calendar year has not been seen in 2008," the ASA reported. "While temporary and contract employment is lower than a year ago, it has not dropped as precipitously as in past recessions."

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. The index's baseline value of 100 was set in June 2006.