Temporary Employment Firms Expansion in the temporary employment industry continues. Most contacts report revenues to be growing 14 to 40 percent annually. However, respondents cite little or no effect on wage growth, which continues to range between 3 and 10 percent annually. Many mid-size firms are merging or being acquired. The residential real estate market in New England is doing well.
Contacts report active markets with moderate increases in sales and little, if any, price pressure.
Relative to a year ago, third quarter sales were slightly lower in Vermont, but up in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Rhode Island and Maine experienced minor changes in sales. Only Massachusetts contacts report price increases for existing homes. Several respondents say existing homes are in short supply, but some also note excess supply of new homes. There has been little speculative new construction, even though high-priced new homes are selling well.