If the latest assessment of trends in the US is anything to go by, the UK recruitment industry can look forward to further prosperity.

The American Staffing Association’s annual economic analysis mirrors Manpower’s upbeat assessment for the UK. America’s staffing companies employed an average of 2.9m temporary and contract workers in 2005, according to the ASA quarterly employment and sales survey. Staffing industry employment rose 8.7%, marking the third consecutive year of growth.  

ASA vice-president Steven Berchem said: “The US staffing industry is growing faster than the economy because of flexibility: workers need it, businesses need it, and it’s good for the economy”.

On the other hand, Berchem told Recruiter: “The unemployment rate is nearing the range where it could hamper staffing industry growth.”