Poll Sees Less Jobs Growth in 4th Quarter

Despite the usual pickup in employment in the fourth quarter, fewer Orange County employers will be bulking up their staffs in the October-December period, according to a survey by Manpower Inc.

Of the local employers polled by the temporary-help firm, 23% said they will increase their work force in the last quarter, while 8% are planning to cut staff and 68% indicate their employment won’t change.

The forecast was much brighter three months ago, when 29% of the employers planned to beef up their payrolls, while only 3% intended to cut.

In the fourth quarter, Manpower says, local work force additions are expected in nondurable goods manufacturing, transportation and public utilities, and wholesale and retail trade. Cuts are likely in construction and public administration.