Temporary Employment

* Laura Jones (“For Temps, There Are No Holidays,” Commentary, Sept. 6) has an outdated notion of temporary employment. The benefits of today’s staffing industry are well documented. We match millions of people to millions of jobs and offer flexibility to employees and companies. Temporary work provides a bridge to permanent employment. People can try out a prospective employer and showcase their skills for a permanent job. In fact, 72% of temporary employees go on to permanent jobs. Many people choose temporary work. They can select their work schedule and choose among a variety of diverse and challenging assignments. The staffing industry provides free training for millions of assigned employees to help meet today’s demand for skilled workers.

In today’s tight labor market, staffing companies offer highly competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain qualified employees. More and more people are looking for the flexibility that temporary work provides. Companies are tapping into the flexible labor market to keep fully staffed during busy times.

RICHARD WAHLQUIST

Exec. VP, National Assn. of

Temporary and Staffing Services

Alexandria, Va.