Prices for contingent labor and other staffing services, such as direct-hire staffing, have trended up since February, according to the U.S. producer price index for employment services, which tracks the average change in prices over time.

The index rose to a reading of 126.8 in April, up 1.1 percent over the same month a year ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It was the largest year-over-year increase in the index since March 2011.

April’s increase follows year-over-year increases in both February and March. The index was up 0.2 percent in both months, respectively, when compared to February 2011 and March 2011. The index posted a year-over-year decrease in January.

Included in the employment services industry are employment placement agencies, temporary help services, executive search services and professional employer organizations.

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