Positive job market projected for region

Business Today

An active staffing scene is on the horizon for Southeast Missouri this summer, according to the latest Employment Outlook Survey, recently released by Manpower Inc.

The quarterly poll of local firms reveals that 62 percent plan to increase their staffs during the July/August/September period, while none foresee reductions. The remaining 38 percent will stay at current levels.

"Three months ago prospects were excellent," said Peggy Gates of Manpower, "when 40 percent reported hiring intentions and none foresaw the need to trim personnel. A year ago at this time employers were enthusiastic as 30 percent said they would add workers and none predicted cutbacks."

Looking ahead, hiring appears likely in construction, durable and non-durable goods manufacturing, transportation/public utilities, wholesale/retail trade, services and public administration. Other sectors are expected to remain relatively stable.

On a national basis, employers expect to increase their hiring activity during the summer months, extending the steady progress toward recovery first seen in the second quarter. Current results indicate 27 percent of firms interviewed intend to staff up, eight percent anticipate reducing personnel levels and 59 percent foresee no changes. The remaining six percent are uncertain of their plans.

Manpower Inc. conducts the Employment Outlook Survey in the U.S. on a quarterly basis. The survey is based on telephone interviews with nearly 16,000 public and private employers in 477 U.S. markets.