The percentage of temporary workers in the United States labor force was 1.75 percent in October – well below 2000's peak of more than 2 percent, according to Reuters.
And despite the fact that the increase in temp jobs from September to October was, according to BMO Capital Markets analyst Jeff Silber, "stronger than it has been historically," there have not been any overtly strong indicators to predict increased growth.
"We're going sideways, really," Tig Gilliam, head of North American operations for the world's leading staffing agency, told the media outlet. He added that unemployment would need to dip below 8 percent before temp worker demand really ramps up.
According to October data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment currently remains at 9 percent, despite the fact that 80,000 new jobs were added last month.
One factor that has slowed temp growth is the recent flooding in Thailand, Reuters adds. Manufacturers haven't been able to receive important parts, resulting in last-minute cancellations in orders for temporary workers.
