Hiring Trends Still Strong, But Weakening

February 26, 2001 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Just 28% of US employers are planning to expand hiring in the second quarter, the weakest Q2 outlook since 1996, according to Manpower.

The quarterly survey of nearly 16,000 companies found that 59% of employers isn’t planning any changes, while 8% expects to cut staff and 5% aren’t sure.  A year ago, 32% was planning increases in what was the highest Q2 expectations since 1978.

Expectations for a slowdown were evidenced across all industries and regions, but durable goods manufacturing and wholesale and retail trades look to be the hardest hit.

Manufacturers of durable goods reported 30% with plans to increase hiring, but 12% planning to cut staff. And while the survey found that 28% of wholesale/retail trades expected to hire more, 10% were anticipating cuts.

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