Canadian Recruitment Markets Improving

Canadian Recruitment Markets Improving

The Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services (ACSESS) released the Canadian Staffing Index for March 2011.

The March Index rose to 94, representing a 17 point leap from February, and driven by strong month-over-month growth in all industry sectors. Each year the March Index has been higher than February; however, this is the biggest one month increase since the Index started in July of 2008.

The jump represents a 21% increase in hours reported against the previous month. If the Holiday period for December and January is taken into consideration and combined with the fact that February was a short month for available work days (only 19 days in most provinces), this result brings the industry back in line with the slow recovery experienced up to November.

ACSESS PR & Communications Chair, Kevin Dee notes - "It is a bit of a relief to see the index return to its upward trajectory, with what is the biggest single month increase since the Index began almost three years ago. It is worth noting the Index is not seasonally adjusted, and this increase, while substantial, is in line with the recovery in the Canadian economy. Overall it is good news, and a very positive sign for Canada."

The Canadian Staffing Index demonstrates a close correlation between staffing industry hours worked and the state of the economy. ACSESS President Bryan Toffey expects "continued industry growth in the months ahead" which means a healthy Canadian economy and further job creation.