Little change expected for local employment levels, survey says

Minimal work force movement is expected in the Springfield area this winter, according to the 2003 First Quarter Employment Outlook Survey issued by Manpower Inc.

According to Manpower, 86 percent of Springfield businesses surveyed said no change in employment was expected for January through March of next year; 7 percent planned an increase; and another 7 percent planned a decrease.

"Three months ago employers were more optimistic when 27 percent anticipated work-force additions," said Sharon Walker of the local Manpower office.

But that could be due to holiday staffing increases.

Statewide, 72 percent of businesses contacted reported no change in staffing plans. Springfield reported the highest percentage of unchanged staffing plans in the state.

The largest work-force increase is expected in southeastern Missouri, where 30 percent of employers plan additional hiring. Kansas City reported the greatest decrease in planned hiring at 17 percent.

The national outlook reveals that 20 percent of the employers queried intend to staff up, while 12 percent indicate they will reduce their work forces as the new year begins. The majority, 62 percent, plans to maintain existing levels of employment.

The release also stated that during the first quarter 2003, job postings are planned in nondurable goods manufacturing and services. Reductions are anticipated in construction and wholesale/retail trade, the survey said.

Manpower, a work-force management service, gathered data for the survey from telephone interviews with nearly 16,000 public and private employers in 470 U.S. markets. The Employment Outlook Survey is conducted quarterly.