For the first time since 2012, the staffing industry in Norway saw growth, according to data from the Norwegian Federation of Service Industries (NHO Service).

The data shows that the growth in the staffing industry was driven by increased activity in construction. Figures from NHO Service shows that the industry increased the number of invoiced hours by 6% in the last quarter of 2016, compared with the same quarter in 2015. In the same period turnover grew by 8.5%.

“This Is a very welcome development both for staffing firms and the Norwegian economy. It may look as if the bottom was reached in 2016 and now it is starting to brighten. However, it is worth noting that there are few professions that elevates the whole industry”, Even Hagelien, Director of Staffing Industry for NHO Service, said.