Positive Results from Canada's Staffing Index in June

More Signs of Economic Recovery from ACSESS

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 22 /CNW/ - The June 2010 Canadian Staffing Index was released this week by the Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS).

June's Index showed a significant increase of 7 points over the May score representing the highest score in over 18 months. Since June 2009 the index has recovered 18 index points but is still 14 points off the benchmark 100 set in July 2008.

While single month differences can fluctuate based on available billing hours, seasonal differences, summer employment and other trends, overall the index is a very positive sign for Canada's economy. The temporary workforce is returning to pre-recession levels, meaning that companies are cautiously ramping up their workforces.

While still some way to go, the Staffing Index would suggest that we remain on a steady, if somewhat slow economic improvement. The industry expects July numbers to reflect increased holidays and vacations, resulting in a lower index number. That trend should revert to being positive in the Fall.

"Canada's staffing industry is encouraged by these results and we feel this is a true "pulse" on the economy here. Cautious optimism and a gradual steady recovery remains the watchword according to the Canadian Staffing Index." said Steve Jones, President of ACSESS.

ACSESS' belief that the Index is a "real time" indicator of the current state of the economy becomes stronger with each month that data is released. Numerous ACSESS members in regions across Canada have reported a significant increase in recruitment activity and are anxious to see how this will be reflected in upcoming numbers that are expected to be high during the fall months, traditionally the busiest quarter for staffing firms.

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.

ACSESS believes that this "real data" supports U.S evidence that the Staffing Industry is a barometer of economic performance, and will provide information for economists, politicians, analysts, researchers and journalists in addition to members of the staffing industry.

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

ACSESS' belief that the Index is a "real time" indicator of the current state of the economy becomes stronger with each month that data is released. Numerous ACSESS members in regions across Canada have reported a significant increase in recruitment activity and are anxious to see how this will be reflected in upcoming numbers that are expected to be high during the fall months, traditionally the busiest quarter for staffing firms.

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