U.S. Employers Expect to Ring in the New Year with Steady Hiring Pace
KANSAS CITY (PRNewswire), December 16, 2007 - Employers in the U.S. plan to maintain a steady approach toward hiring during the first quarter of 2008, according to the seasonally adjusted results of the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc.
"Our survey data suggests it will be a solid start to the year when it comes to hiring in the United States," said Jeffrey A. Joerres, Chairman & CEO of Manpower Inc. "Overall, employers anticipate only marginal changes compared to three months ago, with the brightest job prospects reported by employers in the Mining and Services sectors. On the other hand, finding job opportunities in the Construction and Education sectors is expected to be more challenging for job seekers."
Of the 14,000 U.S. employers surveyed, 22% expect to add to their payrolls during the first quarter of 2008, while 12% expect to reduce staff levels. Sixty percent expect no change in the hiring pace, and 6% are undecided about their January - March hiring plans.
The seasonally adjusted survey results show that hiring activity is expected to maintain or increase in half of the industry sectors compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. Hiring expectations are stable in the Durable Goods Manufacturing, Wholesale/Retail Trade and Finance/Insurance/Real Estate sectors, while Mining and Transportation/Public Utilities employers expect a slight uptick. Employers in the Construction, Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, Education, Services and Public Administration sectors report a decline in hiring confidence.
"Looking at the industry sectors, hiring plans are relatively stable from three months ago and just slightly softer compared to last year at this time," said Jonas Prising, President of Manpower North America. "You might say that employers are getting one less latte a week -- but they are still going to the coffee shop regularly."
At the regional level, there are minimal changes in hiring expectations compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. Employers in the Northeast, South and West project similar employment activity levels, while those in the Midwest anticipate slightly weaker hiring conditions during the next three months. Among survey participants, those in the West are the most confident about hiring, and those in Northeast are least optimistic.
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Gov. Blunt Announces 180 New Manufacturing Jobs in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY (SLFP.com), December 16, 2007 - Gov. Matt Blunt has announced a tax credit initiative that will bring at least 180 new manufacturing jobs to Kansas City. The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has approved state tax credits totaling $805,731 for Johnson Controls Seating Systems, LLC, under the Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ). This action will help with the creation of at least 180 new jobs and $12.9 million for construction of a new facility located at 3700 N Kimball Drive.
"This is exciting news for Kansas City and I am pleased we were able to help bring these new jobs to the region," Blunt said. "Missourians have created more than 90,000 new jobs since January 2005 and I am pleased that our pro-jobs, pro-growth policies are helping companies like this one create more opportunities for our workers and families."
DED has reserved the tax credits for a five-year period based on Johnson Controls Seating Systems' projection for the creation of at least 180 new jobs and new investment of $12.9 million.
Gov. Blunt has led the successful efforts to enact real lawsuit and workers' compensation reforms to level the playing field for employers. The governor's Quality Jobs Act has created 22,000 new jobs that pay above the average wage and offer health care benefits to their employees. Gov. Blunt also led the successful effort to enact tax incentives for Missouri manufacturers to help them grow their businesses and create jobs.
Enhanced enterprise zones are specified geographic areas designated by local governments and certified by the Department of Economic Development. Zone designation is based on certain demographic criteria, the potential to create sustainable jobs in a targeted industry and a demonstrated impact on local cluster development.
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Kansas City CFOs Report On First-Quarter Hiring Outlook
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