Demand for New Employees Levels Off

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. companies have no plans to hire or fire workers in the second quarter, a sign that demand for new employees is beginning to level off, according to a survey by temporary staffing agency Manpower Inc. “We have seen remarkably consistent demand for new workers for more than three years, and very substantial hiring remains to be done,” said Jeffrey Joerres, chief executive of Milwaukee-based Manpower. “But the slowdown now on the horizon is considerably greater than seasonal variation alone.” The report, based on a survey of 16,000 businesses nationwide, showed that 28% will need additional staff in the second quarter, while 8% plan cutbacks; 59% expected their work forces to be unchanged, and 4% were uncertain. A year ago, 32% said they would hire more staff, while 6% predicted cuts; 58% expected no change and 4% were uncertain.