Optimistic Signs for the Recovering Canadian Economy

Canadian Staffing Index Shows Good Gains in March

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 29 /CNW/ - The March 2010 Canadian Index report was released this week by the Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS). As the economy continues its uphill battle to a more stabilized position, the Canadian Staffing Index for the month of March shows a positive trend.

ACSESS continues to believe there is a close correlation between staffing industry performance and the state of the economy. Based on this premise, future Staffing Indexes may be utilized as a "near real time" barometer of the Canadian economic performance.

The Index uses July 2008, prior to the recession, as the benchmark index of 100 and tracks the performance of the staffing industry on a monthly basis. The following are some observations based on the latest results.

While numbers for the period December through February reflect a seasonal drop which is typically experienced in the staffing industry, performance started to climb in February. The March 2010 index saw an increase of 15.5% over February 2009, and 11% over February 2010. The March report shows that the industry is now 18% off the 100 benchmark. This is a marked improvement from the overall findings of the index which at the low point experienced in May 2009 was down almost 40% from the October 2008 high.

"Although some of the increase over February numbers reflect a seasonal correction, the recovery that seemed to have stalled in December is now gaining momentum. We predict that April results will display another notable increase. Our industry is a leading indicator of economic performance, and we are confident in the ability of Canada's economy to show moderate but consistent growth throughout the balance of the year," Said Steve Jones, ACSESS National President.

About the Canadian Staffing Index:

The data is collected by Staffing Industry Analysts, an independent company specialized in the staffing industry.

The data is provided by a representative number of Canadian staffing companies providing services in the provinces across the country.

The data is collected on a monthly basis, with the initial data capture dating back to July 2008, providing real historical insight into the Canadian staffing landscape.

About ACSESS

ACSESS is the single voice for promoting best practices and ethical standards for the recruitment, employment and staffing services industry in Canada. For more information visit: www.acsess.org

About Staffing Industry Analysts

Staffing Industry Analysts is the premier research and analysis firm covering temporary employment and the contingent workforce. Known for its independent and objective insights, the company's proprietary research, data, support tools, publications and executive conferences provide a competitive edge to decision-makers who supply and buy temporary staffing. In addition to temporary staffing, Staffing Industry Analysts also covers these related staffing sectors: third party placement, and staff leasing (PEOs). Founded in 1989, the company is headquartered in Los Altos, California. For more information visit: www.staffingindustry.com

For further information: Media Contact: Suzanne McInerney, CPC, Communications and Marketing Specialist, Phone [phone], Toll Free: 1-888-232-4962, Email: [email protected]