Demand for staffing services increased in the New York, Cleveland, Richmond, Chicago and Dallas Federal Reserve Districts, notably to serve the internet technology and engineering sectors, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report released yesterday. And the labor market has continued to improve gradually since the last report.

In the New York district, a major employment agency reports that hiring activity was more robust than usual in December, particularly in the finance industry. However, one employment agency noticed more résumés from job applicants previously employed in the healthcare and legal industries.

Staffing-firms in the Cleveland district reported that the number of job openings and placements rose slightly, with vacancies found primarily in healthcare, information technology, and oil and gas.

A staffing firm in the Chicago district reported continued growth in demand, with improvement in both industrial and professional sectors.

Staffing firms in the Dallas district said employment levels were up, particularly in professional and technical recruiting areas.