The American Staffing Association's index measuring changes in temporary employment rose to a monthly reading of 75 in August from 71 in July. The index has risen for six consecutive weeks since the July 4 holiday, the first time it has risen for six weeks in a row since the fall of 2007.

The index measures changes in the number of temporary and contract workers both weekly and monthly. The monthly measure is taken from the week containing the 12th of the month. Its baseline value of 100 was set in June 2006.