BUSINESS MEMO: EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITY

Nearly a third of American companies expect to hire more workers this spring, the strongest demand in more than two decades, according to a survey being released.

The survey of second-quarter hiring plans, conducted by the temporary staffing agency Manpower Inc., indicated especially strong demand for workers in financial services and in manufacturing durable goods.

"The personnel shortage continues to plague companies in all industries and geographic regions," said Jeffrey Joerres, president and chief executive of Milwaukee-based Manpower.

The report, based on a survey of 16,000 businesses nationwide, showed that 32 percent of businesses will need additional staff in the second quarter, while 6 percent plan cutbacks. Some 58 percent expected their work force to be unchanged, and 4 percent were uncertain.

In Southeast Missouri, 27 percent of companies are expected to recruit more workers during April, May and June, said Peggy Gates, local Manpower representative. Some 17 percent expect to cut back, and 56 percent report no change anticipated.