Manpower survey shows fair job market this fall

Manpower Inc.'s most recent employment outlook survey projects a fair job market for the Springfield area this fall, indicating moderate staffing gains, according to a release from the company.

"Among local companies responding to our fourth-quarter hiring survey, 26 percent say they will increase their work force this fall, 16 percent are preparing to reduce personnel, and 52 percent indicate their employment will remain stable. The remaining 6 percent are unsure," said Lory Hobbs, with Manpower in Springfield.

Hobbs said that year-end staffing is influenced by retail employers gearing up for the holiday season while other industries slow down.

"The outlook was brighter three months ago, when 30 percent planned to raise their payrolls and 3 percent intended to reduce them," Hobbs said. "Last year at this time, 30 percent predicted adding to their work force while 23 percent foresaw fewer workers."

The survey showed hiring appears most promising in construction, transportation/public utilities and public administration. Cutbacks are predicted in nondurable goods manufacturing and education, with mixed readings in wholesale and retail trade and services.

Manpower's surveys indicate hiring nationally will be sustained at a high season level typical of earlier 1998 quarters.[[In-content Ad]]