The staffing companies with which we work are growing again at a quick clip. Especially encouraging is the increase in activity for firms that supply temporary workers for light industrial and technical positions.

Turning to temporary staffing companies is a smart move for U.S. small businesses right now. It gives them a way to add some needed extra hands even though they still may be wary of a double-dip Recession or worried about how the healthcare bill will ultimately affect the costs of their full-time workforce.

In the Midwest, for example, we’ve added eight staffing companies in the past four months. Facilities for one of our largest clients, grew more than 23% between September and October, the same period as the recent promising unemployment figures. One of our oldest clients, which staffs for light industrial clients, was shrinking this time last year, and now it’s growing again.

Staffing companies have traditionally been a key indicator of impending economic growth during a Recession. This percolating activity confirms the prediction that the unemployment figures released last week may indeed mark the end of steep job losses for this country. It also falls in line with the steady growth of the American Staffing Assn.’s Staffing Index, which continues to rise steadily.

I encourage those who have given up on their job search or have skipped the temporary worker avenue in pursuit of full-time employment to think again. In this competitive job market, reaching out to a staffing company that can help you get your foot in the door to a reputable employer is a very savvy first step to take.

To read in more detail about how one of our staffing clients has weathered the Recession and is making a comeback click here.