Well, that's a relief

As we turn over tea leaves to figure out whether the local economy will go up or down, we'll turn to anything. The Press-Enterprise noted this:

In a country searching for any signal it can find indicating the economy may be on the mend, there are more than a few eyes on the offices that recruit and supply temporary workers.

Temp agencies in Riverside and San Bernardino counties say business seems to be picking up slightly, and at least it isn't getting worse.

Not getting worse? That's a relief.

Actually, there's a reason to look at this segment of the economy:

Employers who believe business is picking up are likely to bring temporary workers on board while they wait for solid evidence that the demand for more production will be steady....

As the country emerges from the recession, it needs to look for three solid months of orders for new temp workers, according to American Staffing Association....

So watch your temp agencies!