Growth has been forecast for businesses in the US staffing services sector after it was responsible for half of all private sector hiring during the past two months.

According to Boenning & Scattergood, an improvement in such businesses was seen over the third quarter of 2010 as more job vacancies were created, the Associated Press reports.

William Sutherland, analyst at the securities, asset management and investment banking specialist, told the news source that he expects the most substantial rates of growth in the IT industry.

American Staffing Association figures indicated the services sector saw a 25 per cent jump in employment year-on-year in the third quarter of 2010, while sales rose by almost 36 per cent.

According to the organization, staffing companies hired an average of 2.6 million individuals to fill temporary and contract posts during the three months to September.

"Demand for temporary and contract help is expected to remain strong as businesses turn to flexible work force solutions to help them improve efficiency and productivity," said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive.

Posted by Fiona Summers